Arsenal lost for the first time in 13 matches as Borussia Dortmund snatched a late winner in their Champions League meeting at the Emirates.
Who, if anyone, matched up to this first tricky test of the season for Arsene Wenger’s charges?
Wojciech Szczesny
Had little to do and could do nothing about either goal conceded. Easily saved tame efforts. 6/10
Bacary Sagna
Mixed display for the fullback. Often followed Dortmund danger-man Marco Reus when he went infield. Cross made Giroud’s equalizer, but failed to track Robert Lewandowski for visitors’ winner. 5.5/10
Per Mertesacker
Dominated in the air, marshalled Lewandowski well for long spells. Like the goalie, neither goal was his fault. 6/10
Laurent Koscielny
Read situations well. Didn’t make a meal of it when Lewandowski elbowed him in second half. Ironically if he had Dortmund may have been reduced to ten men. 6/10
Kieran Gibbs
Growing in stature. One woeful cross in first half and being out of position in build-up to Dortmund’s winner aside, he matched what Leighton Baines did for England against Poland. Kept Jakub Blaszczykowski quiet. 6.5/10
Tomas Rosicky
Energetic as ever against his former club. Saw a goal-bound volley cleared off the line by Hummels in first half at 0-1. Booked in second half and subbed. 6.5/10
Mikel Arteta
Not quite Mathieu Flamini, but assured enough in anchor role. Gunners skipper used all his experience in a congested midfield. 6.5/10
Jack Wilshere
Frustrated. Nothing really sat for him and subbed before the hour with ankle knock picked up before in first half. 5.5/10
Mesut Ozil
Shown up a little by his German teammates in opposition ranks. First half passed Ozil by. Better after the break, but a quiet display by his exceptionally high standards. Booked. 5.5/10
Aaron Ramsey
Not a game he’ll look back on with much fondness. Lost possession for Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s opener, played a part in build-up to equalizer though. Subbed. 6/10
Olivier Giroud
Arsenal’s man of the match. Hacked down by Hummels in first half, but not discouraged from clever movement wide and in channels that stretched Dortmund. Persistence paid off with equalizer. 7.5/10
Subs
Santi Cazorla. Got half an hour and almost put Gunners ahead when he rattled the woodwork. Added extra impetus. 7/10
Nicklas Bendtner and Serge Gnabry. Both introduced late on and could’nt impact on the match. N/A
Who was your man of the match? Have your say below…
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