Per Mertesacker: Arsenal made it too easy for Bayern Munich last season

Per Mertesacker

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has warned his side that they must not show Bayern Munich too much respect in their Champions League first leg at the Emirates on Wednesday if they want to avoid a repeat of the first leg drubbing that they endured at the hands of the German side last year.

The Gunners lost 3-1 at home to Bayern in last season’s last 16 clash, before winning 2-0 in Germany, and Mertesacker told reporters that the club must learn from that tie.

“We have to go for two perfect games against them. We know we can beat them now, so maybe mentally we are in a better condition that last year,” said the German.

“We respected them too much in the first leg then, so it was too easy for them.

“Maybe we have learned something from those lessons and will do better this time.

“Now we have another chance – and an opportunity to beat the champions. We want to achieve something exceptional this season, so we have to beat the best.

“That is not only Manchester City and Chelsea. That is Bayern Munich in the Champions League.”