A 1-0 win over last year’s Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund proved Arsenal can mix it with Europe’s elite when it really matters.
Having lost the home fixture against the German side in north London two weeks ago, victory was essential for Arsenal to keep hold of its own destiny.
And it duly obliged thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s second half winner — his 11th goal in 16 games — not bad for a player who had only mustered five in 91 apperances for the club over the past two years.
“I was impressed mostly by our focus because we were under consistent pressure from the first to the last minute,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports.
“Nevertheless, we created chances and we could have scored a second.
“A year ago, I thought it would be difficult for Ramsey to score goals but he’s developed tremendously and that’s a huge credit to him.
Ramsey has enjoyed a stunning season — taking the English Premier League by storm.
The Wales international has been a revelation at the heart of the Arsenal midfield and his latest strike secured one of the club’s most impressive European victories of modern times.
Arsenal arrived in Germany to face a Dortmund side which had made its most successful start to a league season since 2010/11.
Having won all eight of its home games this season, including the victory in the German Super Cup, Dortmund roared out the traps at their traditional breakneck speed.
But despite dominating possession, the German side failed to find the breakthrough.
