Borussia Dortmund (A)

We won! It was hard fought, tough and far from convincing but we won. The game on Saturday was far from pretty and a long way off what we're used too. But the squad showed grit and determination and we got out 3 points. At the moment thats all that matters we got the points. The first half looked promising with Arteta creating some lovely moves for Ramsey who should have done better and Walcott whose effort was cleared off the line. Arshavin found the ball at his feet after a complete cock up from Vorm in the Swans goal, take nothing away from him though as he finished from a tight angle. The second half was scrappy and thee nerves began to show but that was expected, our bar was rattled and when Graham turned and shot from 6 yards in the box everyone thought we were going to be drudging away with only a point, but the ball flew over the bar and that was that. 

Tomorrow will be a different affair. We face the German Champions Borussia Dortmund and that in itself says the all, the German Champions. They conceded just 8 goals at home last season which is remarkable and I think they're gonna cause us problems. There will be no return for Rosicky, who scored twice against us when we played them over there last which suggests that we will play a similar side to the one at the weekend with Arteta starting after a top drawer performance on Saturday. Per Mertesacker will also start, I didn't think he played particularly well against Swansea and I know he lacks pace and he isn't that sort of player but my god was it evident. But this is his league and he's played in this competition before so hopefully he'll show what he's got to give. It's just emerged that Ramsey will be out tomorrow night as well which doesn't help things but we are boosted by the return of Song and Gervinho.

In terms of Dortmund they are a well organised team and are certainly dangerous. Robert Lewandowski finds the net regularly as does Grobkreutz (spelt with the funny b). Its not just the forwards that are solid, looking through their team there are many names you'll recognise and they seem to have a solid defence. This said they haven't had the greatest start to this new season much like ours and they sit 10th. Tomorrow will  be a tough match and with the prospect of Blackburn away this weekend it will be a real test of not only effort and teamwork but also fitness. 

I think tomorrow will tell us a lot about the depth of our squad and how well we can cope with players out and a tough away game in the picture this Saturday. We ground out the result on Saturday and thats what we'll need to do this season but there is no doubt it was a moral booster and hopefully our boys can take this into tomorrow nights game. 

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Arsenal