Arsene Wenger: Why it is vital for Arsenal to finish in the top three

ARSENE WENGER has stressed the importance of Arsenal finishing in the top three.

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Arsene Wenger is hoping to guide Arsenal to a top-three finish

A top three finish ensures teams qualify automatically for Europe's elite competition.

Wenger believes having had to play additional play-off matches has had an adverse effect on his team in recent seasons.

"It puts huge pressure on you finishing fourth," Wenger said.

"We have had difficult games in recent seasons and that has impacted on our start to the season."

The Gunners are on course to finish second in the Premier League and they take on Hull on Monday (8pm).

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