Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal: Gunners Hitting Panic Level After Lackluster Draw

Arsenal was poised for a big win on the road against Borussia Dortmund.

Then, in the 88th minute, Dortmund scored an amazing equalizer and knocked out any momentum Arsenal had built from their strong early showing.

While this match was certainly an improved effort, the Gunners will ultimately walk away with the gnawing feeling of an opportunity squandered, and that turned a strong performance that could be built for future success into a growing sense of doom.

The play that turned this game around came off the left foot of summer signing Ivan Perisic. Perisic chased down a loose ball, then quickly launched a brilliant volley no one would have been able to stop.

The equalizer stood, and the match ended in a draw.

The Gunners took an early lead in this one when Van Persie broke free and ran on to a pass from Theo Walcott and delivered a scorching shot past Dortmund keeper Weidenfeller.

Any hopes Arsenal had of controlling the action quickly faded.

Dortmund methodically took control of this match. Their free-flowing 4-2-3-1 was clicking and giving them chances on goal.

However, with a bit of luck and stiff defense, Arsenal was able to hold on to their lead—that is, until Perisic launched his incredible volley.

Instead of moving on with a sense of accomplishment, the Gunners must now go back to the drawing board as they try to fill the holes left by the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri. While they can rest on the notion that they put out an improved effort, Arsenal will now have to battle back feelings that this year's squad is doomed for disappointment.