Arsenal were expecting a stern challenge with a trip to Signal Iduna Park to face last year's Bundesliga champions, and they weren't disappointed after being exposed to an absolute onslaught from Borussia Dortmund, who managed 23 shots to their guests 9 as well as averaging 57 percent of the possession. It wasn't idle stuff from the hosts, either - they launched themselves at the Gunners with ferocity that approached lunacy at times. It was that naivite which meant that Arsenal escaped Germany with a 1-1 draw and a point despite being thoroughly outplayed when a mistake in the midfield led to a quick break and Robin van Persie's opening goal, a mistake a more experienced Champions League side would never have made.
Borussia Dortmund Vs. Arsenal, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Late Dortmund Goal Means Teams Share Spoils In Germany
What Dortmund lose thanks to a lack of cynicism they get back in spades thank to their ability to play pacy, expansive football, and they tormented the Gunners all night - only superb play from Wojciech Szczesny, Laurent Koscielny and Alex Song (not to mention a healthy dose of luck) kept them from scoring sooner than they did. Truth be told, Dortmund's finishing didn't help their cause either. Of the aforementioned 23 shots, only six found the target, and only one managed to work its way past Szczesny.
The equalising goal didn’t come until the 88th minute, but it was well worth waiting for. Ivan Perisic, on as a substitute in the 69th minute for Kevin Grosskruetz, ran only a half-cleared free kick fully 25 yards from goal and volleyed beautifully into the top corner, sending a packed stadium absolutely insane with joy. The goal, Perisc’s first for the club, made Dortmund redouble their efforts to find a winner and it took a fine save by Szczesny at the feet of fellow countryman Robert Lewandowski (and a couple of penalty appeals turned down by referee Gianluca Rocchi) to secure the point for the visitors.
Still, Arsenal will be pleased that they’ve managed to emerge from what should be their toughest challenge of the group stages with a point. and can take pride in the way they defended when it looked as though they might have been put to the sword. Dortmund were the better side, but only the joy of that late late equaliser will take away the nagging feeling that this is a game that should have resulted in three points in their pocket.
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