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Champions League: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits Dortmund deserved victory

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Following an 'average' display away in Dortmund, Arsene Wenger believes his lack of defensive options affected his side's performance.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits his side were 'average' following their 2-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Goals from Ciro Immobile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the Gunners bottom of Group D following Anderlecht's draw in Galatasaray.

After a disappointing performance in the Signal Iduna Park, Wenger believes his side were unfortunate in the first half but concedes that they were convincingly outfought in the end.

"I think we were not at the requested level tonight. They deserved their win," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"I still believe that on top of that, we were a bit unlucky as it was a throw-in to us 10 seconds before half time. We conceded the goal just after that.

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Graeme Souness analyses Arsenal's defensive frailties against a weakened Borussia Dortmund.

"Despite our very average performance, we had plenty of chances. That's a little bit of a paradox," he added.

"We could've been leading the game, but they had plenty of chances too."

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"We lost the ball at the throw in but it was still three against Immobile at the back. It's still difficult to understand how we concede the goal. There were still enough people to stop the goal.

"Dortmund were very strong in midfield. They were stronger than us in midfield.

"But it's very difficult on the night to go into any individual assessment of any player because as a team we were not at the requested level."

Wenger defended his striker Danny Welbeck after the 23-year-old missed a couple of good chances, and believes that Dortmund’s energy levels were as a result of their 'easy' game against Freiburg on Saturday.

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Paul Merson thinks Arsenal were well beaten by Borussia Dortmund and can't see them lifting a trophy this season if they continue playing in that manner.

"Welbeck was dangerous but he tired in the second half. He couldn't finish tonight but he looked lively and for all the rest he did well," Wenger said.

"He needs a goal to get that off his shoulders."

To complete a dispiriting night, Jack Wilshere limped off with an ankle problem.

"Wilshere has turned his ankle. It's difficult to say how bad it is because I'm being cautious," Wenger said.

"Normally it's not very bad but because of his history (with ankle injuries) I'm being cautious."

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