Lethal Ljungberg clinches it

Arsenal 2 Borussia Dortmund 0

Ljungberg, who was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up so soon after his summer hip operation, clinched victory with 12 minutes left after Dennis Bergkamp had earlier put the Gunners ahead. Wenger was unashamedly optimistic about his team’s chances of winning the competition this season, despite having failed to progress past the quarter-finals in the past four seasons. He wrote in his programme notes: ‘‘I have said we will the Champions League. I think there is a lot of hypocrisy and superstition attached to football, but I don’t go into a competition not to win it.

‘‘Everybody else perhaps thinks they will win it but they don’t say it. But I will say it, because I’m convinced we can win it. The desire is there and the experience is there so we can give it everything and go and win it.’’

Wenger’s decision to select Ljungberg showed the importance which he so clearly attaches to his team making a strong start in the competition. For the past four years, Arsenal have begun the first group stage away from home and registered just one victory, although they have also drawn twice.

Last season their defeat at Real Mallorca dented their confidence and they suffered thereafter on their travels in Europe. This time around, they started positively enough, although the German champions looked reasonably assured in defence in the opening 20 minutes. Henry’s first surge forward resulted in Christoph Metzelder tumbling over and although the ball struck him on the arm, it was adjudged to have been accidental.

Bergkamp, meanwhile, directed a tame shot straight at keeper Jens Lehmann, while Sylvain Wiltord was just intercepted en route to goal by Ahmed Reda Madouni after a neat turn. And at least for the time being, Ljungberg understandably still lacked the explosive turn of pace which set the Premiership alight at the end of last season.

Arsenal were by no means in complete control, with Dortmund starting to grow in stature and mount cautious attacks of their own, with Dede’s free-kick being powerful but off target. That just about suited the home side, however, who are ruthless on the break and it was from a typically pacy counter-attack that Henry’s snap-shot was only saved by Lehmann’s fingertips.

It was from a similar route that the Gunners threatened again as Ljungberg started the move flowing as he picked out Henry at full pace.

The Frenchman nevertheless checked his run to pass sideways to Wiltord but his first touch allowed keeper Lehmann time to smother the ball before he could lift it over him.

Arsenal may have suffered with their away form last season in Europe but Dortmund’s record is just as bad, having failed to win any of their last eight Champions League games on their travels. The German champions have also made an uncertain start to their domestic campaign, with four draws in their opening five games and they are already trailing in the Bundesliga.

Henry thought he had put Arsenal ahead just after the break but he was flagged inches offside as he twisted onto a through ball and finished with aplomb.

Ljungberg threatened next, winning a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area as Metzelder shoved him to the ground, but Henry sent the ensuing dead-ball effort harmlessly over the bar.

Arsenal were still not entirely convincing, however. Only a last-ditch interception by Luzhny saved the day at the other end, while Juan Ramon Fernandez’s blistering shot just swerved over the bar.

Arsenal’s pressure was nevertheless building all the time and it eventually proved an irresistible force.

With 62 minutes gone, Wiltord sped across the edge of the penalty area, studiously looking for an opening ahead of him before clipping the ball to Bergkamp.

The Dutchman was well marked but Ljungberg’s break took the defenders’ eyes off Bergkamp for a crucial split second and he made full use of the opportunity with a shot that deflected into the net off Metzelder.

Ljungberg next made a dashing break down the right flank and, while Henry had peeled off into space inside the penalty area, the Swede went alone and fired a shot just inches wide of the far post.

Henry missed an absolute sitter from just eight yards out, but he turned provider for Ljungberg to seal victory 12 minutes from time.

The tireless Wiltord was again involved in the build-up, setting up Henry, who chose to find Ljungberg as he dashed through the centre and, having side-stepped the keeper, he side-footed home.

ARSENAL: Seaman, Luzhny, Keown, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Vieira, Silva, Wiltord, Henry, Bergkamp.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND: Lehmann, Evanilson, Kehl, Heinrich, Fernandez, Madouni, Metzelder, Dede, Frings, Kohler, Ewerthon.