Well that was undeserved. Arsenal, having been thoroughly outplayed by Borussia Dortmund for most of the first half, have taken a lead very late through the figure of Dutch striker Robin van Persie. Sebastian Kehl gave the ball away in silly fashion - and not for the first time in the match - and this time the Arsenal captain was able to race into space and clip over a despairing Roman Weidenfeller to give the Gunners a 1-0 lead.
Borussia Dortmund Vs. Arsenal, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Robin Van Persie Gives Gunners 1-0 Lead At Halftime
It's hardly justice for the hosts, who've been excellent in the first half but so far unable to get past Wojciech Szczesny in the Arsenal goal. Mario Goetze has been particularly impressive - Dortmund have repeatedly scythed open Arsenal's defence but their final pass has been lacking. It's still taken some last-ditch defending to keep the German champions off the scoresheet, however, with Bacary Sagna clearing off the line very early on after Szczesny found himself stranded. If that ball had gone in, we'd be looking at a very different match, but as it is Arsenal are somehow ahead 1-0 at halftime.
Dortmund have some work to do if they want to turn the match around, but despite the deficit they’re still comfortably better than their London-based opposition. That will count for nothing unless they come up with some goals, though...
For Arsenal-specific coverage of the match, check out The Short Fuse. Keep it on our Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal StoryStream for live updates during the match as well as post-match coverage. Check out SB Nation Soccer for news and updates on all of the UEFA Champions League action.
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