Arsenal vs. Dortmund: 5 Star Performers in the Gunners' 2-1 Win

A brilliant night for Arsenal saw them get the better of Borussia Dortmund by a 2-1 scoreline and book safe passage to the Champions League group stages.

The victory also ensured that Arsenal will finish as group winners. After their difficult start to the season, the fact they are the first Premier League team to qualify represents a superb turnaround for the Gunners.

After a rather stale first half performance, Arsenal were quicker to the ball and more efficient in possession versus the German side during the second period.

The Gunners' midfield trio led the way and gradually took control of the game. Not surprisingly, Robin van Persie benefited from the second half dominance and netted both Arsenal goals.

Here are the five best performers from a superb victory for Arsenal.

5. Aaron Ramsey

Young Welsh midfield ace Aaron Ramsey proved a consistent creative outlet for Arsenal all night. Ramsey provided plenty of ideas for Arsenal in attack and his smart intentions deserved more of a reward.

Even when Arsenal's possession became scrappy, Ramsey still managed to thread through a series of threatening through passes.

They may not have always come off for Ramsey, but he displayed plenty of technique and flair on the ball. His increasingly quick instincts are starting to make Ramsey a essential component in Arsenal's attacking play.

4. Thomas Vermaelen

Belgian stopper Thomas Vermaelen narrowly edged outstanding right-back Laurent Koscielny as Arsenal's star man in defense.

Vermaelen was strong and assertive at the heart of the Gunners' back four. His confidence and decisive instincts in the challenge are Vermaelen's best qualities and he showcased them throughout the game.

Alongside Andre Santos, Vermaelen was the most comfortable Arsenal defender in possession. His steady distribution allowed Arsenal to build attacks from the back.

Vermaelen capped his efficient performance by flicking on Mikel Arteta's late corner at the near post, setting up the decisive second goal.

3. Mikel Arteta

After an indifferent start Mikel Arteta grew into the game and became Arsenal's most composed and efficient player.

Guilty of giving away possession at times in the first 45 minutes, Arteta's passing was much more precise in the second period.

The classy Spaniard kept Arsenal ticking over and his ball retention and clever distribution helped nullify Dortmund's energy and pace.

A goal was all that was missing from the ex-Everton man's technically proficient display.

2. Alex Song

Alex Song carried the fight to Dortmund. His energy, work rate and strength helped the Gunners to wrestle away control of the midfield from the reigning Bundelisga champions.

Song was combative and powerful in the challenge and his efforts drove Arsenal on forced Dortmund onto their back foots after their threatening first half display.

The Cameroon international showed signs that he is developing into a complete midfielder. Wrongly labelled as merely a holding player for too long, Song is demonstrating an effective and all-round box to box style of play.

His intricate skill down the wing broke the game open. His trickery, pace and accurate cross to set up van Persie for the opener provided the perfect rebuttal to those who have questioned Song's attacking credentials.

Only his annoying habit of dwelling too long on the ball, which eventually contributed to Dortmund's late consolation strike, prevents Song from taking top spot on this list.

1. Robin Van Persie

The finest striker in world football was at it again, bagging a brilliant brace and powering Arsenal to victory.

Robin van Persie continued his superb scoring form and demonstrated the full range of his capacity as the Gunners' lone striker.

The Dutchman's two goals were the mark of a deadly finisher. His intelligent and fluid movement gave him space to score a rare header to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

The former Feyenoord starlet then showcased his poacher's instincts by sweeping the ball home from close range to seal the win.

If he remains healthy, then van Persie provides Arsenal with the potential to beat anybody. He is the complete striker and shows no sign of letting up.

A Win with Plenty of Positive Implications

Wednesday night's victory has huge significance for the Gunners; Marseille's 1-0 home defeat to Olympiacos means that Arsenal have won their group with a game to spare.

The reward for topping the pack is a potentially easier draw in the knockout phases. Arsenal painfully suffered for their failure to seal their group last season.

The Gunners slide into second condemned them to facing the mighty Barcelona. Things should be different this time around, as Arsenal will draw a runner-up.

In addition to this, Arsenal now have the luxury of resting players for the final group game away to Olympiacos.

This could prove vital for players like van Persie, Koscielny and Ramsey, who have played a lot of games already this season and face the prospect of leading the team in crucial areas for most of the campaign.

Another win also maintains Arsenal's growing momentum and new found confidence. With the pressure of qualifying now removed, the Gunners can play with more freedom in the league and concentrate on moving back into the top four.