Here's why Arsenal might regret finishing second in Group F

The fate of this year’s ‘Group of Death’ was decided in the last five minutes of the last match of group stage. Napoli and Dortmund started Matchday 6 with 9 points each with Arsenal leading the group with 12.

The Italian side faced the Gunners and required a win by three goals if Dortmund managed to beat Marseille the same night. Napoli, despite beating Arsenal 2-0 at home, were knocked out of the competition as Borussia Dortmund scored the winner on the 87th minute against Olympique Marseille to beat the Ligue 1 side 2-1.

As the Group standings were unveiled, last year finalists edged out Arsenal by goal difference, finishing top of the group. Arsenal on the other hand, just managed to finish second ahead of Napoli, again by goal difference. Arsène Wenger would’ve probably hoped of finishing at the top but he would be taking positives from the defeat as his side advances to the last 16 of the competition for the fourteenth time.

Arsenal have been knocked out from the last 16 in the last three years and this year would be no easier. The draw is still not out but Arsenal will have to face either of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid or PSG. The best possible draw will be getting Atletico Madrid which in itself will be a difficult task. The rest of them are the European giants who boast eleven world class players in their teams. To get past this round will be a very tough task again but it is possible.

The men in red and white may regret not being able to hold out for a draw to snatch top spot as it would’ve been more likely to go further in Europe’s most elite competition. But for now, the Gunners can concentrate on the League as Champions League action would start back in February.