Arsenal | 2 - 1 | Borussia Dortmund |
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Robin Van Persie (49') | ![]() | Shinji Kagawa (90') |
Robin Van Persie (86') | ![]() | |
Date | : | Wed, Nov 23, 2011 | Time | : | 20:45 CET |
Play on | : | UEFA Champions League |
Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund Highlights
Robin van Persie continued his brilliant scoring form as Arsenal beat Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League again.
The Dutchman, who surpassed the mark of 30 goals for the year 2011 with a double in Norwich on Saturday, he repeated the feat tonight.
He went home after an excellent race and Alex Song's cross five minutes into the second half, and then swept home from a film-in a corner as the Gunners secured first place in Group F.
Arsenal, however, had to work hard on one side industrious Germany, who lost midfielder Mario Gotze to injury within half an hour, and grabbed a stoppage-time consolation through Japan to Shinji Kagawa.
Jurgen Klopp team were well organized, having arrived in the European tie on the back of a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the league, which reduced the deficit in the top of the Bundesliga with just two points.
Encouraged by a vocal support of some 8,000 travel, Dortmund - unbeaten in six matches, winning five - were established quickly.
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski - a reported target Liverpool - Arsenal reached the bottom line, with Kagawa forcing a lower stop Wojciech Szczesny.
It was about 20 minutes before local grave launched an attack with a pass from Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, sending away for the right.
Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller was quickly to block.
There was then a delay after Thomas Vermaelen and Sven Bender crashed when challenged to a 50-50 ball with Dortmund midfielder falling awkwardly and eventually need to be removed on a stretcher, replaced by Moritz Leitner.
Dortmund were forced to another well-publicized sudden change when 19 years old, Gotze, who scored the goal that I saw out of Bayern and has been linked with a move for £ 30million Arsenal limped and Croatian Ivan Perisic came .
Walcott is still the main outlet on the right for Arsenal, and was well marked only offside pass from Van Persie as he ran through to touch the ball in the net.
The man turned provider when England was drilled in a low ball into the penalty area, which Weidenfeller palmed away as Van Persie looked to jump.
Dortmund continued where he left at the start of the second half, as Per Mertesacker cut the ball for a corner.
However, the Gunners took the lead after 49 minutes.
Song loaded on the left flank, before storming his way through three defenders with no little skill and chop the ball towards the far post.
Van Persie came at the right time to send a downward header, which has a hand Weidenfeller, but can not keep out as the leader who had 16 goals to his season.
After he recovered Dortmund, Arsenal had a great chance to double their lead as Ramsey toe-poke to clear Gervinho.
Although the Ivory Coast back to the goalkeeper, who has allowed defender Mats Hummels cover enough time to hit the ball from behind.
As the match entered the final 20 minutes, was replaced by Gervinho on loan Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun as Wenger seemed to lead to protect your computer.
Walcott also retired in the late stages, Abou Diaby giving the opportunity to make a welcome return of another frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Van Persie secured victory after 87 minutes when he swept home unmarked at the far post after movie Vermaelen from a corner.
Dortmund gave his followers an excellent goal at home Kagawa shot at close range in stoppage time.
With Olympiacos win in Marseille, the Germans still mathematically have a stake in their final group match, but will most likely face the prospect of Champions League football at best.
Arsenal, however, can go to Athens next month secure in the knowledge score and the crucial planting over the last 16 ensures - that means there will be, at least for now, no possibility of another confrontation with the likes of Barcelona.
Arsenal vs Borussia Dortmund Last 5 match
Arsenal | Borussia Dortmund |
Nov 19, 2011, Norwich City 1 - 2 Arsenal | Nov 19, 2011, Bayern Munich 0 - 1 Borussia Dortmund |
Nov 5, 2011, Arsenal 3 - 0 West Bromwich Albion | Nov 5, 2011, Borussia Dortmund 5 - 1 VfL Wolfsburg |
Nov 1, 2011, Arsenal 0 - 0 Marseille | Nov 1, 2011, Borussia Dortmund 1 - 0 Olympiakos Piraeus |
Oct 29, 2011, Chelsea 3 - 5 Arsenal | Oct 29, 2011, VfB Stuttgart 1 - 1 Borussia Dortmund |
Oct 25, 2011, Arsenal 2 - 1 Bolton | Oct 25, 2011, Borussia Dortmund 2 - 0 Dynamo Dresden |
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