Per Mertesacker: 'Arsenal can take confidence from European exit'

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has urged his teammates to take confidence away from their second-leg victory over Monaco into the remainder of their domestic campaign.

The Gunners crashed out of Europe's elite club competition on away goals earlier this week, despite easing past their opponents 2-0 at the Stade Louis II.

There is still plenty to play for as far as Arsenal are concerned, though, with an FA Cup semi-final tie against Reading fast approaching as well as competing in a top-four race which will seemingly go down to the wire in the Premier League.

"As you could see over the last few years, we always get the results, especially at the end of the season," Mertesacker is quoted as saying by Goal.com.

"That's what we will try to do again. We have to look and see how far it takes us. There are a lot of teams involved, but we want to qualify directly for the Champions League. That is a big target.

"But Monaco is another win that gives us the ­confidence you need at the end of the season when you are more fatigued. We have good depth in the squad and that gives us a lift."

Arsenal return to action on Saturday when they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park.