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.
“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.”
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