ARSENE WENGER has admitted he sees little difference between finishing first or second in Arsenal’s Champions League group.
The Gunners sit top of Group A heading into their key showdown with Paris Saint-Germain, but only lead them on goal difference.
Due to September’s 1-1 draw in France though, victory would ensure Arsenal finish ahead of PSG, even with a game to spare.
Arsene Wenger has failed to progress beyond the round of 16 for the last six successive years.
Barcelona (2), Monaco, Bayern Munich (2) and AC Milan have all dealt the Gunners heartache, but the Frenchman is hoping for a change in fortune this season.
However, with qualification for the knockout stage already guaranteed, the Arsenal boss suggests missing out on first place may not matter.
“I read that Real (Madrid) are not sure whether it’s good to finish first or second,” Wenger said.
Arsenal predicted team to face Paris Saint-Germain
Tue, November 22, 2016Express Sport brings you Arsenal's predicted team for their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain
Express Sport brings you Arsenal's predicted team to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League
“The other groups might look at ours and think: ‘PSG or Arsenal, who is better?’ The problem is that, if you finish second and get a bad draw, everybody says: ‘That’s your own fault.’
“So, knowing that, you want to finish first. Is there an actual difference? I don’t know.
“If we do win it, it would mean we’ve done the job until the end in a convincing way. It’s a luxury to be qualified after four games.
“Last year we had to battle until the end. This season we can finish the whole job after five matches, which would mean we’ve done really well. So it is a cup final.”
Last night’s results meant Leicester and Monaco have secured first-place finishes in their respective groups.
But Arsenal will not have any clear idea who they may potentially face in the next round until after matchday six.