Arsenal vs. Borussia Dortmund First-Half Analysis

It was always going to be a tall order for an Arsenal side that has undergone such a drastic makeover in recent weeks to play their vintage style of football in Dortmund against a cagey, well-disciplined opponent.

Still, 1-0 on the half on a Robin van Persie goal is far better than many would have dared hope for after watching a half during which the Gunners were vastly outplayed.

Some observations:

1. Yossi Benayoun

In starting Yossi Benayoun in the role of attacking midfielder, Arsene Wenger gave his side an added dimension, with the Israeli looking sprightly in the first half.

Though he's not seen a lion's share of possession, he's been good going forward and has spread play well.

Benayoun has been one of the better performers for Arsenal.

2. Laurent Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny has been deplorable, in marked contrast to Benayoun.

Arsenal's high line of defense was cut open surgically by Kagawa in the 10th minute. Brilliant run by the young Japanese playmaker, but he had no right to find such an open path toward goal. The Frenchman needs to communicate better with Mertesacker, his partner in central defense.

Koscielny has been far too wasteful in distribution, as well, giving ball carelessly away to Dortmund, who have mounted some impressive counterattacks. 

3. Mario Götze

Dortmund maestro Mario Götze has looked far and away one of the better—if not best—players on the pitch during the first half.

His immaculate control and fluid dribbling conjure images of Zidane in his prime, and he will certainly be a menace for a shaky Arsenal defense during the second half, when Dortmund are certain to look for an equalizer. 

4. Mikel Arteta

 Mikel Arteta has slotted into the role enjoyed by Jack Wilshere last year for Arsenal: a holding central-midfield position alongside Alex Song.

The Spaniard has been relatively quiet throughout the first half, but his one-touch passing has been impressive. He also picked out van Persie with an excellent 60-yard, cross-field searching pass.

It will be interesting to see if Wenger opts to continue playing Arteta in the holding creative role. Once Wilshere returns, the Englishman may be pushed into the role Benayoun is in today, where his pace and creativity could spark chances for Arsenal.

5. Robin van Persie

 With Gervinho looking short of match sharpness after missing the last three domestic fixtures due to suspension, Robin van Persie has proved a Godsend.

Much more involved in the first half than he's been previously this season, the Dutchman set up his own goal just before halftime by nipping a wayward Dortmund pass into the path of Theo Walcott, who only had to touch the ball through for van Persie's run.

After collecting the pass on the right edge of the 18, van Persie's right-footed curling finish was positively clinical.