Arsenal/Dortmund scoreless at break

Arsenal 0, Borussia Dortmund 0 (half-time)

Arsenal were having to call upon reserves of patience in their opening Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund as they failed to make a first half breakthrough at Highbury.

Fredrik Ljungberg was handed a surprise first start of the season after injury, but he failed to inspire the Gunners as they were held at bay by the German champions.

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 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.