Arsene Wenger admits it is Arsenal's main objective to top their Champions League group after conceding the Gunners have paid the price for not doing so in the recent past.

Arsenal can secure qualification to the knockout stages for the 17th consecutive season if they beat Ludogorets in Bulgaria on Tuesday night and Group A rivals Basle fail to beat Paris St Germain in Switzerland.

The Bulgarian champions were humbled 6-0 at the Emirates Stadium less than a fortnight ago but will be hoping for a better show when they turn out at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia - a 435-mile round-trip from Ludogorets' regular home in Razgrad.

In recent seasons Arsenal have made a meal of getting out of their group, usually resulting in a difficult clash at the round of 16 stage and therefore the main reason they have gone no further in the Champions League in seven years.

And Wenger, who could make a few changes to his side given they face neighbours Tottenham in a north London derby on Sunday, wants to ease through this time, having taken seven points from their first three games.

"It's our prime target," he replied when asked how important it was to top the group.

Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Show all 11 1 /11 Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings David Ospina – 7 out of 10 A firm save denied Wanderson early on. Was called into action more than he would’ve liked as Koscielny and Mustafo put him under pressure, but again he held firm and justified Arsene Wenger’s faith in him in Europe this season. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Hector Bellerin – 6 out of 10 Kept unusually quiet as he didn’t rampage forward as much as usual. He did link up with Walcott on occasion though which has been a key part of Arsenal’s attack down the right. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Shkodran Mustafi – 6 out of 10 Weak header put Ospina under needless pressure under the attentions of Cafu, and for once he wasn’t as assertive as we’ve seen in his short time back in the Premier League. Still, a clean sheet will always be welcome. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Laurent Koscielny – 7 out of 10 Uncharacteristic lapse in concentration allowed Cafu to steal in behind him and nearly nab the ball off Ospina. Made up for it in the second half though as his inch-perfect tackle released Cazorla who in turn sent Özil through for his first goal. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Kieran Gibbs – 6 out of 10 Ludogorets enjoyed success in the early stages through Cafu and Wanderson, and it was because they were able to isolate Gibbs. He struggled to protect the outside which allowed both to get a shot in and force Ospina to save. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Francis Coquelin – 6 out of 10 Supposed to sit deep in an effort to protect the back four, but was guilty of going wondering in the first half as Arsenal pressed forward in numbers. Much more disciplined in the second half, though that was made easier by those taking centre stage in front of him. Getty Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Santi Cazorla – 7 out of 10 Was able to play a more advanced role with Coquelin beside him. Beautiful pass to release Özil for the fourth goal, and it proved to be his last contribution as he was replaced by Mohamed Elneny. Had his Achilles iced afterwards, which will be a worry. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Theo Walcott – 8 out of 10 It’s a wonder why he didn’t shoot when one-on-one with the goalkeeper inside 10 minutes, with his pass across goal instead resulting in a clearance. He more than made up for it though when Özil found him outside the area and he unleashed a lovely curling effort that beat Stoyanov for the second goal. Given a standing ovation when he departed on the hour for Lucas. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Mesut Özil – 9 out of 10 Always looked to release Walcott and Sanchez as Arsenal’s devastating trio struck again. Claimed the first hat-trick of his professional career as Arsenal stretched their legs in the second half. His final goal was particularly well taken as he struck a left-footed first time effort through Stoyanov. Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 out of 10 Disappointing was an understatement in the first half, as he wasted a simple two-on-one chance with Walcott before repeatedly losing possession. Managed to put it behind him though with the third goal just 90 seconds after the break, and it settled his nerves as he began to click with those around him. Arsenal FC via Getty Images Arsenal 6 Ludogorets 0 player ratings Alexis Sanchez – 8 out of 10 Showed calmness on the ball to spot Stoyanov off his line and chip the ball over his head for the opener and bag his sixth goal of the season. Proved to be a constant problem for the Ludogorets pairing of Moti and Palomino at the back as he ran with pace from deep. Replaced by Alex Iwobi with little over 15 minutes remaining. Getty Images

"(We take it) step by step: qualify first. We have played Paris Saint-Germain away, and play them at home to come. We have a good opportunity tomorrow if we win.

"It is an advantage because you play the second game in the last 16 at home, so you know exactly what you have to achieve at home. You have the support.

"If it goes to extra-time or penalties, you play at home. So it's a little advantage. But if you can finish first, why finish second?

"We have paid the price many times when we've finished second, having to play Barcelona or Bayern Munich. So we think it's important."

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Wenger confirmed Nacho Monreal, Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla and Theo Walcott have all been left at home due to minor injuries and is expected to shuffle his pack with the likes of Olivier Giroud, Aaron Ramsey and Gabriel pushing for involvement.

Meanwhile his counterpart, Ludogorets coach Georgi Dermendzhiev, admits his side will approach Arsenal with more caution having been thrashed last time out.

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The reigning Bulgarian champions are unlikely to keep Arsenal from attaining the win they need to march on, having been humbled in north London, but Dermendzhiev is keen for his side to show they are better than that display.

"We will probably be more cautious," he said.

"The difference will be that now we know better the way Arsenal play. We have seen it on the pitch and they know what to expect. We will do our best to try and play nice football.

"We have really good players, we conceded a lot of goals but some of that was because Arsenal have great players, some were because we made mistakes."