Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal: First 2 Games Show Team Has a Long Way to Go Yet

As unusual as it may be, Arsenal's defense is the reason this new-look squad has gotten off to a decent start.

Alex Song and Wojciech Szczesny in particular had solid games.

Gifted goals on both Saturday and Wednesday, the Arsenal squad still had a lot of work to do and, for the most part, they did it well in both games.

Though they were not entirely comfortable in either game, nor the dominant team by any means, they showed a new-found character that can only increase as the season goes on.

Both Swansea City and Borussia Dortmund had chances to either tie or win their respective games, with the German squad finally getting a goal in the 88th minute.

The Dortmund goal was a fantastic one and, considering they were the better team throughout, they deserved it.

That is to take nothing away from the Arsenal squad, as their team defense stood has stood as firm as possible for the majority.

Considering the influx of new players on, and around, deadline day, immediate success would be highly unlikely.

Despite their qualities, it will undoubtedly take time for the new offensive players to fully grasp the Arsenal way, and in that time the defense needs to show that they are up to the task.

The slim margin of victory on Saturday, and giving up the lead on Tuesday may not instill a lot of confidence, but things seem to be headed in the right direction.

The Swansea win stops the team from dropping even more points in the League, and hopefully starts a steady, if not rapid, progression up the table.

With the team in its current state, heading to Germany and grabbing a vital point from a tough group is another positive that cannot be overlooked.

Once the duo of Jack Wilshere and Thomas Vermaelen return, things will only get better.

Regardless, Arsenal still has a long way to go.

The defense will need to continue holding its own, and hopefully more time on the training ground will help the offense find its footing to start scoring the goals fans are used to seeing.

The team turns its attention to two tough EPL games against Blackburn away, and Bolton at home, with a Carling Cup match with Shrewsbury tucked in between.

If the team continues to improve, the cloud may finally be lifted from the Emirates.