Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes that the Gunners' battle against AC Milan will drive the North London club on to reach third place in the Premier League and perhaps dump rivals Tottenham Hotspur into the Europa League.

Arsene Wenger's side failed to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, despite defeating AC Milan 3-0 at the Emirates last night.

"We sent a message across to the teams in the Premier League that when we are at our very best we can beat anyone in the country and in Europe," Szczesny told Sky Sports News.

"So it will give us a lot of confidence. Yes we are heartbroken because it wasn't enough and we got knocked out of the Champions League but there are a lot of positives.

"I wouldn't settle now for fourth place," he added. "We're four points behind the other North London club and hopefully we can challenge them. Hopefully Chelsea can challenge them for a fourth spot as well. I'd be really pleased to see Tottenham in the Europa League next season."

Arsenal take on Newcastle United on home turf in the league next Monday.