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Arteta - Tuesday will be a 'crucial one'

Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta believes Tuesday's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium will be a 'crucial one" in determining Arsenal's final position in Group F.

The Gunners have taken maximum points from their first two games but now face a double-header against last year's finalists.

And the Spanish midfielder knows Jurgen Klopp's side will be hard to handle.

"We have started well, we have a very strong team and we have more experience as well"

Mikel Arteta

"We have two very difficult games coming up against Dortmund," said Arteta. "After that we will know exactly where we are in the group. They are a very good side and they are doing well in their own league.

"Winning the first two games makes a difference and now we have a massive game at home. If we win that one we are almost there. I think this is going to be a crucial one."

Arsene Wenger's side have made an outstanding start to the season both domestically and in Europe but Arteta insists it's still too early to tell if Arsenal can go all the way in club football's elite competition.

"We are still in the group stages. We have to qualify from a difficult group. There are big teams in there - the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

"To compete against them on the day you have to be very, very good," Arteta added. "If we win on Tuesday, it puts us in a great position. Last season we finished second and had to play Bayern. We have started well, we have a very strong team and we have more experience as well."

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