Hector Bellerin says Arsenal are now ready for Chelsea after their Europa League win against Cologne.
He said on BT Sport: “It’s a new competition for us so we had to set the tone.
"We think we are one of the best teams in the competition so we have to show that on the pitch.
“I’m very happy for the victory. We were ready to play at eight o’clock, but these things happen.
“We started a bit with cold feet but after that it just worked.
“The win in the league against Bournemouth and today’s win, coming back from behind, gives you a boost. “We will train over the next two days and then be ready for Chelsea.”
John Hartson believes Arsenal must try and copy Manchester United’s approach to the Europa League last season.
He told Starsport: “I think a top-four place is a big ask for Arsenal, I really do think that. What with Manchester City spending so big, Liverpool as well.
“Chelsea, and Manchester United under Jose Mourinho of course, are a lot of people’s favourites for the title.
“But Arsenal can adopt Manchester United’s attitude to the Europa League last season.
“Mourinho said from the outset he thought it was the best way in for United – he was almost telepathic how he called that.
“Ajax hadn’t won an away game all the way through the competition, so it was almost as if United absolutely breezed the final it in a strange type of way.
“United had a couple of tricky away games, but they won it at a canter. I think Arsenal have to take it seriously.
“In the Europa League, they’re probably favourites to win it behind AC Milan.”
Jamie Carragher has criticised Arsenal for not strengthening their defence in the summer transfer window.
“The fact Arsenal didn’t really strengthen at the back apart from Sead Kolasinac, who is more of a left-back, shows where Wenger’s priorities are,” he told the Evening Standard.
“You look at Arsenal’s midfield and I can’t get out of my head how they performed at Anfield. There was a lack of discipline.
“Aaron Ramsey is a fantastic talent, but he is a very attacking player to have as one of the two protecting your defence - and that is the risk Wenger appears willing to take.
“In contrast, Conte has N’Golo Kante, a player Arsenal wanted last year but who joined Chelsea for a bargain £32m.”
