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Arteta - It’s massive if you start well

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are determined to make a fast start to their Champions League last-16 clash against Bayern Munich.

The Gunners would be top of the Premier League table based on second-half performances alone, but in 10th spot on the opening 45 minutes of games.

Arteta accepts this needs to change - starting against Jupp Heynckes’ side at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

 “This is one of those games that everyone is ready to play - it is a pleasure to play for this club at this level,” the Arsenal vice-captain said. “We have a great chance, we’re playing a good team but we are a very good team as well.

“We are very positive and can't wait for it to come and to give a good performance. It gives you extra motivation because you are facing top players and a top club and you want to show how good you are.

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“In the last few big games we have missed the first 20 to 25 minutes and gave the opposition probably too much respect. We want to face a different scenario [on Tuesday] and get into the game and show that we want to win it.

“It's massive [to start well] because if you do then you have a great chance of winning the big games. We know we have to face them from the off.”