The victory should restore some much needed confidence as Arsenal face the heavy December schedule ahead of them.
Arsenal pounced early, Cazorla finding Yaya Sanogo in the box and he calmly dispatched his shot between the goalkeeper’s legs. It was Sanogo’s first ever goal for the Gunners.
For most of the first half the Gunners had the upper hand, although Dortmund looked threatening several times.
Their best chance to score came from Mkhitaryan, but he shot at close range was saved by Martinez.
Dortmund upped their game a little in the second half and Arsenal looked to defend and counter. Dortmund created little and never seriously threatened the Arsenal goal.
Alexis Sanchez put the game out of reach with a superb goal. From that point on the Gunners looked comfortable and composed. Back to the Premier League now.
Player Ratings:
Martinez 7. A big night for the young man and he played a solid match. Pisczeck’s whizzing cross intended for Immobile was probably the most dangerous moment of the night. He made a good save before halftime and made his most difficult save as extra-time began.
Chambers 7. He had one or two dicey moments containing Schmelzer, but he played well and was comfortable on the ball.
Mertesacker 7. No mistakes and was solid the entire game.
Monreal 7. A good match for Nacho, who mopped up when he needed.
Gibbs 8. My co man-of-the-match. There were a couple of dangerous moments when Dortmund attacked down his flank, but he was able to mop up most and he attacked effectively a number of times.
Arteta 7. He had a good match, but he got an early yellow card and I sat nervously expecting the worst for the next hour. He left the field injured and Wenger described his injury as serious. This is his fourth injury this season and we’re suddenly looking thin in midfield.
Ramsey 7. He had a solid game both offensively and defensively and the confidence is starting to come back, although slowly. Several promising offensive situations didn’t come off for him.
Cazorla 7. Assisted on both the goals and he worked hard. He contributed both offensively and defensively and played his best game in weeks. Still needs to work on dead ball situations.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 8. Another strong game for the Ox. He was unlucky not to score when his volley struck the crossbar in the second half. Played his 100th game for the Gunners and his workrate was impressive.
Sanogo 7. Yaya has a habit of appearing out of nowhere to play important matches. He scored hopefully the first of many goals for the Gunners. He had a breakaway midway in the first half which he flubbed and didn’t get a shot away. He worked hard, was physical, and had a number of good touches. Unfortunately, he limped off holding his hamstring.
Sanchez 8. My other man-of-the-match. Again he worked hard and led by example. His goal was gorgeous, bending it just out of the reach of the keeper. On the ball he was a little sloppy at times, but he can strike at any moment.
Substitutes:
Flamini 6. Came in and replaced Arteta. Did a good job and the defence stayed as strong as ever.
Podolski n/a. A brief run out.
Campbell n/a. Played briefly as well.