Per - Dortmund defeat was wake-up call

Per Mertesacker believes Arsenal’s loss at Borussia Dortmund gave them the wake-up call they needed to discover their European form.

The Gunners were beaten 2-0 by the 2012 runners-up on matchday one of the Champions League after only managing four shots at the Westfalenstadion.

However, Mertesacker says the way Arsenal were “smashed” by Dortmund is the reason why the Gunners have gone unbeaten in the competition since.

“We started badly with our performance in Dortmund where they absolutely smashed us in a way, so that was a good wake-up call for us to start the season,” Mertesacker told Arsenal Player.

“They had the kind of work rate and aggressiveness that we normally need, especially in away games, but we came back in the second game against Dortmund and we were much better.

“We played our way and did it much better than the first game against them. We want to continue our run of winning games [in Europe] to get ourselves going.

“The rhythm is there and we want to keep that, even if we have small chances to secure that first spot. Dortmund have to win as well and we’ll try our best. It’s a good opportunity as well to keep that winning way.

“Galatasaray are already out and have no chances to even get the third spot. They will want to finish the Champions League with some pride, especially in front of their passionate fans.

“The first 15 minutes are very important and then when you do well they get nervous, so we have to give absolutely everything and not give any chances away. When you play well you can get them very quickly, so that’s the target.”