The squad limbers up ahead of vital Dortmund game
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REMINDER: Stay online for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
Full Time THAT'S IT! ARSENAL ARE THROUGH TO THE LAST 16! Well done to the Gunners, they were tremendous in the second half
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CONSOLATION FOR DORTMUND: Arsenal went to sleep but it shouldn't matter... we're just seconds away
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GOAL! - Shinji Kagawa 2 : 1 HANG ON A MOMENT - KAGAWA SCORES FOR DORTMUND!
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PROFESSIONAL, MATURE JOB: Arsenal had to weather an early storm but they've taken control in the second half
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WE'RE INTO STOPPAGE TIME: Arsenal are just seconds away from the knockout stages and there goes RVP... but he's flagged offside. That was very close
89
MARSEILLE ARE LOSING! Olympiacos have taken the lead in France so, as it stands, Arsenal will top Group F
88
SUDDENLY THE GERMANS ARE QUIET: They've been making a right old din all game but that second goal has left Dortmund's European hopes hanging by a thread
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HE DOESN'T MISS FROM THERE! In came the corner from Arteta, Vermaelen got a great flick-on and RVP was all alone at the far post to slam in the second. Game over!
86
GOAL! - Robin van Persie 2 : 0 ROBIN DOES IT AGAIN AND ARSENAL ARE THROUGH!
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Substitution HERE COMES ABOU: The big man gets a big reception after replacing Theo Walcott
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RVP IS TRIPPED: Free-kick to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta is sizing this one up... but that floats over the crossbar after taking a deflection off the wall
83
Substitution ARSENAL CHANGE THEIR RIGHT BACK: Off comes Koscielny, on comes Djourou
82
ARSENAL CHANCE! Benayoun gets a sight of goal and tries to flick the ball through to Walcott but Santana races in to take the ball away from Theo
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#ARSENALLIVE: Use that hashtag if you're on Twitter and want to join the debate. We'll publish a selection of your comments right here
81
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
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SZCZESNY CLAIMS: Wojciech deals with another cross but he's barely had a shot to save in the second half
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Yellow Card BENAYOUN GOES IN THE BOOK: That's three cards now for Arsenal. It was a late tackle but still a harsh decision
Top Comments:
@tah300 on Twitter says:
When RvP went down every Arsenal fan about cried inside.
77
ARSENAL SOLID: They've barely given Dortmund a sniff since the goal. Song does well against Perisic, he's had a storming second half
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Good play again from Song, using his strength. He's blossomed as the game as gone on, as has the Arsenal midfield in general.
76
Yellow Card RAMSEY GOES IN THE BOOK: He smiles as if he cannot believe it but the ref has made his mind up
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Substitution ARSENAL MAKE A CHANGE: Off comes Gervinho, on comes Benayoun
Top Comments:
@pahtreekcasimir on Twitter says:
This has been a really tight game...
72
DIABY IS WARMING UP: He gets a warm reception and we'll find out soon enough if he's ready for a game of this intensity - if he gets the nod of course
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GOOD COMMUNICATION: A dangerous ball bounces into Arsenal's box but Vermaelen leaves it for Szczesny after hearing his call
Top Comments:
@SquiresDan on Twitter says:
Should put Songs engine in cars - he doesn't half travel.
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ARTETA HAS A KNOCK: He limps off but will be OK to come back on
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SUBS ARE WARMING UP: They have been for a while actually. I can see Arshavin, Benayoun and Djourou
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
This year it's better than ever for Arsenal to win the group. There are some big teams in charge of their groups. Last season was an error, they drew Barcelona and the rest is history.
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DORTMUND NOT OUT OF THIS YET: They are still a threat but Song has been immense in midfield and Arsenal have played with far more verve since the goal
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REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
Top Comments:
@Kryptic_kritic on Twitter says:
Song - man of the match!
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SONG DOES WELL AGAIN: He feeds Ramsey and he finds Walcott. Theo goes for goal but that swerves off target
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
What a goal that would have been. Superb defensive midfield play to win the ball.
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FREE KICK TO THE VISITORS: That seemed a bit innocuous and Ivan Perisic will try his luck… but that flies over. It took a deflection though, corner to Dortmund... but it comes to nothing
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Substitution DORTMUND MAKE THEIR FINAL CHANGE: Off comes Kehl and on comes Lucas Barrios
Top Comments:
@usy_official on Twitter says:
Hope to see Arsenal keep a clean sheet tonight. Come on Arsenal, you can do it boys.
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Yellow Card WALCOTT GOES IN THE BOOK: The linesman man-handled Theo and he wasn't happy about that. The ref only sees it one way and books the Arsenal man
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Surprisingly he's never one to back off, Theo Walcott. He'll happily take on the bigger man on the pitch...
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WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOOT, THEO? That's the polite version of what the Emirates crowd just asked Walcott after he opted to find RVP with a loose ball in the box instead of smashing it goalwards
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GERVINHO THROUGH ON GOAL! He just onside and goes past the keeper well but the covering defender gets a challenge in. Perhaps he didn't see him coming? Either way, a great chance goes begging
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
He'll be kicking himself for that one. He went around the goalkeeper but the finish was just left wanting.
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ARSENAL KEEPING IT TIGHT: They've got the goal so they are sitting deeper and looking to play on the break with the pace of Walcott and Gervinho
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DORTMUND FANS STILL INCREDIBLE: Winning, drawing, losing, it doesn't matter. They make an almighty racket. Mind you, so do Arsenal's away fans
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
The Champions League inexperience of Dortmund is maybe starting to tell now. They haven't played in the competition for a number of years - although let's be honest, they are still a great outfit.
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THIS GAME SHOULD OPEN UP NOW: Dortmund will have to come out now and that might leave gaps for Arsenal on the counter-attack. It certainly won't be cagey and conservative now
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GERVINHO ON THE CHARGE: He goes down the left and tries to cut inside but two defenders converge and the chance goes begging
Top Comments:
@_tomdavies1 on Twitter says:
How's your assist Alex Song?! Quality!
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Yellow Card SCHMELZER GOES IN THE BOOK: That's a clumsy foul and he gets the first yellow of the night
Top Comments:
@jonandri on Twitter says:
Alex Song is too amazing. See that assist?! And RvP does it again. Come you son!
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ARSENAL'S TAILS ARE UP: Dortmund had two decent chances to start the half but Song changed all that with his storming run and cross for RVP.
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TAKE A BOW, ALEX SONG! Holding midfielder? Not a chance. Alex goes down the left, beats four defenders and crosses for RVP (who else?) to score with a downward header that Weidenfeller can't quite keep out
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
What play from Song, he got past three defenders and delivered a quality cross. Robin van Persie is bang in form - brilliant play from Arsenal.
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GOAL! - Robin van Persie 1 : 0 VAN PERSIE SCORES FOR ARSENAL!
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GOOD STOP SZCZESNY: This time Kagawa goes through on the left after fine link-up play. The angle is narrow and Wojciech gets down to save to his left
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MERTESACKER SAVES ARSENAL! Per whacks the ball away for a corner after Piszczek's cross takes a deflection and rolls across the six-yard box
Kick Off WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY: Arsenal attacking the North Bank goal in this second half
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ARSHAVIN FOR GERVINHO? That's what Adrian Clarke, our co-commentator, wants to see. What do you reckon? E-mail him now at www.arsenal.com/studio
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PERISIC IS FIRST OUT: He got that stunning equaliser in Dortmund in September of course - what a goal that was
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GET YOUR E-MAILS IN: Visit www.arsenal.com/studio to send your comments to Dan and Adrian. Join the debate on Twitter at #ArsenalLive and enjoy a special half-time feature during our Matchday Show. I'll be back in a bit
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STALEMATE SO FAR: Dortmund came flying out of the blocks but injuries to Bender and Gotze knocked them back. Arsenal have been feeding off half-chances so far and 0-0 is probably about fair
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STALEMATE SO FAR: Dortmund came flying out of the blocks but injuries to Bender and Gotze took the wind out of their sails. Arsenal fought their way back into the game but they've been feeding off half-chances so far
Half Time HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 0-0 DORTMUND
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ALMOST CALAMITOUS FOR DORTMUND! Gervinho closes down and blocks a clearance back towards the Dortmund goal but Weidenfeller just about holds on with RVP lurking
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INTO STOPPAGE TIME: And we've had a few flashes of excitement in the final moments of the first half.
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SONG TRACKS BACK WELL: Santos plays a hopeful pass and gets caught out of position. Song tracks his man and eventually gets a fine challenge in
Top Comments:
@marc_ayres110 on Twitter says:
I know @Persie_Official gets a lot of praise and rightly so - but Theo Walcott is on fire, I hope he keeps it up all season.
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GREAT CROSS FROM THEO! Ooh, and Weidenfeller just gets something on it to deny RVP a clear chance. Wonderful delivery from the right from Walcott, that part of his game has really improved
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SCHMELZER TRIES HIS LUCK: That's a decent dipping volley but Szczesny holds on well
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STILL VERY TIGHT: We've had half-chances but nothing more so far. A draw would suit Arsenal more than Dortmund but it would leave them needing something in Greece
Top Comments:
@Showerman on Twitter says:
Dortmund giving everything they have, but Arsenal will show 100 per cent more in the second half.
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GOOD TACKLE ARTETA: That gets Arsenal going again but the Spaniard is not on his toes to receive the loose ball from RVP and Dortmund can break
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WALCOTT FINDS THE NET! But Theo is a yard offside as he races onto RVP's pass. For a moment it looks like the ref will book Theo but he gives him a warning
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Twitter says:
It was a tidy finish from Walcott after being threaded through - but he was a yard offside there.
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IT'S SO TIGHT: RVP tries to get away but another well-timed challenge comes in. That's the story of the half really - the tacklers are dominating the creators
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HERE COMES KEHL: Sebastian Kehl charges through the middle and Arsenal back off but Koscielny gets a challenge in just in time and Kehl's effort goes miles over
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
High, wide and not at all handsome from Kehl there. it was good play again from the Germans - but he's not known for his goals.
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KOSCIELNY PENALISED: He closed down Kagawa well but the ref gave the foul. This game has got 0-0 written all over it if it carries on like this
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#ARSENALLIVE: Use that hashtag if you're on Twitter and want to join the debate. We'll publish a selection of your comments right here
Top Comments:
@bruce on Twitter says:
Song needs to be more forceful so that Arteta and Ramsy can be more creative..
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NO JACKET REQUIRED: Arsene Wenger in his suit on the touchline, he's obviously not feeling the cold. And here's me in hat, thermals, coat, scarf, the lot
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IT'S ALL GONE A BIT FLAT: Bender's injury and Gotze's departure have taken some edge off the game. It's very tight and very conservative at the moment
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It's all in Arsenal hands, they just need to make sure they're not on the end of a defeat here. It would be great to secure top spot tonight if they can, of course.
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GERVINHO ERROR: The ball was bouncing out for a corner but he tried to keep it on and only succeeded in conceding a goal kick. Gervinho has not been in the game yet
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Substitution OFF COMES GOTZE: And on comes Perisic. That's a pity for those of us (me included) who wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Anyway, it surely improves Arsenal's chances of a win.
Top Comments:
@C_NoteZ on Twitter says:
Ahh why did Mario Gotze have to go off?! Really enjoy watching him play.. future Gunner right there?
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DORTMUND PREPARING ANOTHER SUB: This time Perisic is going to come on. Who's injured this time? The visitors are having no luck at all
Top Comments:
@2easy4yoyo on Twitter says:
Dortmund fans making Emirates their home...
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LEWANDOWSKI HAS A GO! Ooh, that's a cracking effort and it fizzes just past Szczesny's right-hand post. The ball fell nicely for the Polish striker and he caught it well
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
It certainly wasn't a bad effort, this came right out of the blue. He's caught it sweetly, it's fizzed off the turf and bounced just wide.
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SZCZESNY HAS TO HURRY: We're back underway and Wojciech has to show good control before wellying the ball upfield. No Cruyff turns this time
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Substitution DORTMUND MAKE THE CHANGE: Off comes Bender to a warm ovation and Moritz Leitner replaces him
Top Comments:
@SUPERflousMAN on Twitter says:
Sad to see Sven Bender get hurt like that, he's one hell of a talent.
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BENDER ON A STRETCHER: He must be in a bad way; Dortmund are preparing a replacement. It was a pure accident but he's taken quite a knock from Vermaelen there
Top Comments:
@PhysicsAndy on Twitter says:
That's what happens when you dare to tackle the Verminator...
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GOTZE GETTING TREATMENT TOO: The young German star has some spray on his thigh, perhaps he's carrying a knock?
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BENDER IN PAIN: He clashes with Thomas Vermaelen and comes off a lot worse. The Dortmund medical staff race on to attend to him
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WALCOTT GOES THROUGH: RVP chips it through for Theo to run onto and Weidenfeller races out to beat him to the ball by a whisker. Good anticipation by the keeper
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Maginificent goalkeeping from Weidenfeller because Walcott was the favourite there. The German was so sharp off his line to block that.
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E-MAIL OUR COMMENTARY TEAM: Visit www.arsenal.com/studio to have your say - Dan Roebuck and former Gunner Adrian Clarke will be fielding your e-mails during the game
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ANOTHER CORNER TO ARSENAL: Ramsey wins this one, the home side are on top now... in it comes but headed clear, Arteta gets to the loose ball but that's a goal kick to Dortmund
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RVP TO TAKE IT... and Mertesacker almost gets there. Arsenal in the game now but they have gone more direct than usual, swinging in crosses and diagonal balls
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
There's a little bit more drive now from Arsenal. Van Persie is peeling off the centre-back - it's been a tactic that's worked for them so far this season.
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WAS THAT A PUSH ON KOSCIELNY? The extra official behind the goal had a great view but gave nothing. Do they ever give anything? Anyway, corner to Arsenal...
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WALCOTT GOES DOWN: Grosskreutz is guilty of the foul, and RVP will swing in a free kick from the right... it's a poor one and Dortmund clear
Top Comments:
@LuisAlfredo_xD on Twitter says:
Give Van Persie time, he will come through. He always does... mostly at the last minute.
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STALEMATE: Arsenal are finding their feet but space is at a premium with the likes of Arteta stifled by Dortmund's hard-working midfielders
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HEADER FROM RVP: The skipper climbs high to send a header goalwards from a left-wing cross but he can't get enough on it and Weidenfeller catches
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Lewandowski has looked ever so sharp in these opening stages. Vermaelen and Mertesacker will have to keep their wits about them you'd expect.
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DORTMUND CLOSING DOWN WELL: The visitors are pressing Arsenal's midfield extremely well. Klopp said they would not focus on RVP but instead the service to him - and the plan has worked so far
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THIERRY IS HERE: Arsenal legend Henry is sitting in the stands... next to Roger Federer. As you do.
Top Comments:
@ikp05 on Twitter says:
Just spotted Roger Federer and Thierry Henry watching my Arsenal boys!
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THAT'S MORE LIKE IT: Song and then Santos get stuck in and Ramsey almost frees RVP through the middle. Arsenal just about weathering the storm
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JURGEN KLOPPS HIS HANDS: The Dortmund manager is pleased with what he's seeing and urges his players on from the technical area
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Arsenal can't even get out of their own half at the moment, Dortmund are really pressing.
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DORTMUND ON TOP: The visitors are bang in form and they have started very well. Arsenal struggling to find a foothold and stop Dortmund's runners from deep
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KAGAWA WITH THE SHOT: He was in a decent position there as the Arsenal defence backed off but his shot was too weak to trouble Szczesny
Top Comments:
@henryfimibama on Twitter says:
Let's hope we keep them at bay. This Dortmund side is dangerous as we can see. They're not scared †to shoot.
3
HALF-CHANCE VAN PERSIE: The teams have been feeling each other out but Santos did well to poke the ball through to RVP. The skipper had Walcott in a very useful position but opted for a shot that lacked conviction
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
Per Mertesacker can show Arsene Wenger he's the man to play alongside Thomas Vermaelen. The Premier League is a different hustle and bustle - this is what he is more accustomed to.
2
WONDERFUL AWAY SUPPORT: I've never seen that here before - the lower and upper tier of away fans bouncing up and down in unison. If I lived in Germany I reckon I'd follow Dortmund - it looks like fun
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LEWANDOWSKI ALMOST WRIGGLES THROUGH: Early scare for Arsenal as the visitors put together a slick passing move but Szczesny rushes out to claim
Top Comments:
@TABurk on Twitter says:
Come on Arsenal! Let's clinch this group today.
Kick Off AND THEY'RE OFF: Dortmund get us started, attacking the North Bank in the first half. Their fans are having a whale of a time in the south-east corner of the ground
CRACKING ATMOSPHERE: Fans are still streaming in - those pesky train delays eh? - but there's a decent noise around the ground. It's red v yellow, England v Germany and we're about to get started. Fingers crossed
Top Comments:
Adrian Clarke on Arsenal Player says:
I think Arsenal are going to do just enough here tonight - I'll say a 1-1 draw.
HERE COME THE TEAMS: Van Persie leads out Arsenal, Weidenfeller leads out Dortmund and that famous Champions League music rings out around Emirates Stadium
WHAT DO YOU RECKON? Has the boss picked the right team? Will Arsenal win? What on earth should we do about the Victoria Line? Have your say on Twitter at #ArsenalLive
Top Comments:
@timimatic on Twitter says:
For me Gotze and Kagawa the men to watch for Borussia Dortmund.
WHAT DO YOU RECKON? Has the boss picked the right team? Will Arsenal win? What on earth should we do about the Victoria Line? Have your say on Twitter at #ArsenalLive
TRAVEL PROBLEMS: The Victoria Line has caused plenty of problems for fans getting to tonight's game but the stands are filling up here at the Emirates. And the away section is packed and noisy, as you might expect
WELCOME BACK ABOU! Diaby is on the bench after a long spell on the sidelines. He's had rotten luck with injuries but hopefully things are looking up for him
SUBS: Fabianski, Djourou, Diaby, Frimpong, Benayoun, Arshavin, Chamakh
UNCHANGED LINE-UP: Szczesny, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott, Gervinho, Van Persie
#ARSENALLIVE: Join the debate on Twitter using that hashtag. We'll publish a selection of your comments right here
Make sure you're logged in for our Matchday Show - it all gets underway at 7.30pm (UK time). Dan Roebuck and former Gunner Adrian Clarke are your studio and commentary team and they will be fielding your e-mails during and after the game. Get them in at www.arsenal.com/studio
The in-form Germans are in town and qualification for the last 16 is at stake. If Arsenal win tonight they go through - but Dortmund need the points to keep their own campaign alive
Hello folks and a very warm welcome to Arsenal Player for live coverage of our mouthwatering Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
20 DJOUROU, Johan (83)
04 MERTESACKER, Per
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
11 SANTOS, Andre
25 SONG, Alex
08 ARTETA, Mikel
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
14 WALCOTT, Theo
02 DIABY, Abou (86)
27 GERVINHO
30 BENAYOUN, Yossi (74)
20 VAN PERSIE, Robin
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
20 DJOUROU, JOHAN
12 FRIMPONG, EMMANUEL
30 BENAYOUN, YOSSI
23 ARSHAVIN, ANDREY
02 DIABY, ABOU
29 CHAMAKH, MAROUANE
Borussia Dortmund
01 WEIDENFELLER, Roman
15 HUMMELS, Mats
31 KRUSE, Lukas
29 SCHMELZER, Marcel
SANTANA, Felipe
19 GROSSKREUTZ, Kevin
05 KEHL, Sebastian
18 BARRIOS, Lucas (64)
KAGAWA, Shinji
10 GOTZE, Mario
PERISIC, Ivan (29)
06 BENDER, Sven
LEITNER, Moritz (25)
LEWANDOWSKI, Robert
LANGERAK, MITCHELL
16 BLASZCZYKOWSKI, JAKUB
GUNDOGAN, ILKAY
22 OWOMOYELA, PATRICK
PERISIC, IVAN
LEITNER, MORITZ
18 BARRIOS, LUCAS
Top Comments:
@SasamatSt on Twitter says:
ROBINNNNNNNNNNN! Who will stop him?!