Report: Arsenal 2-1 Dortmund

Robin van Persie decided yet another result in Arsenal’s favour as two goals from him settled a tight affair with Dortmund in a 2-1 victory which meant that for the 12th successive season, Wenger’s men had survived the group stage of the Champions League.

The visitors came to the Emirates Stadium very aware that some sort of positive result was required to harbor their hopes in the competition and they did their best to pepper Arsenal’s backline during the opening minutes.

But Dortmund’s energy began to wear out as the first half lasted and injury to their star man Goezte did not help their spirits either.

So when the Gunners really came to life in the latter stage of the half, fire-works were expected to come after the break.

And it did come as into the second 45 minutes, Alex Song showed astonishing skill to get past more than three Dortmund players before founding Van Persie with a cross which the Dutchman rose to gracefully head home.

Despite being ahead, Wenger’s men knew they were far from being home and dry as the German side battled on.

But with less than five minutes, an Arteta corner-kick found Van Persie unmarked at the near post and the in-form striker thumped the ball into the net to calm all nerves around the Emirates Stadium.

A 2-0 scoreline slightly flattered an Arsenal side who had been given a real run for their money and so when Dortmund capitalized off another defensive error and netted a consolation goal with virtually the last kick of the game, there was a some feeling of dissapointment but not enough to harm a massive victory which secured top spot in Group F for Arsenal and created some comeback story to tell for those who could remember the abismal form of Wenger’s side when these two last met.