UEFA Champions League: Arsenal 1-2 Dortmund: and back to Earth we go

On a day when two of our most-dominant players had thoroughly average games, and when no one was especially effective, a one-goal loss to one of the world’s best teams is hardly the death-knell that some will make it out to be.

In the end, then, it’s not a catastrophe. It complicates matters, to be sure.

However, we still sit atop the UCL table even though we’re level on points with Dortmund and Napoli. Marseille’s poor form means that victories over them don’t count; only matches played between teams level on points matter right now. As it stands, then, we’re top of the table thanks to goal-differentials:

• Arsenal 2-0 Napoli, Arsenal 1-2 Dortmund. Arsenal +1
• Dortmund 1-2 Napoli, Dortmund 2-1 Arsenal. Dortmund +/- 0
• Napoli 0-2 Arsenal, Napoli 2-1 Dortmund. Napoli -1

We therefore have a bit of a log-jam, and we may have to rely on Marseille’s help if we expect to advance. Here is each club’s remaining fixtures:

• Arsenal: Dortmund (A), Marseille (H), Napoli (A).
• Dortmund: Arsenal (H), Napoli (H), Marseille (A).
• Napoli: Marseille (H), Dortmund (A), Arsenal (H)

This doesn’t favour us as we now likely need at least four points from three matches to advance.

Assuming we can defeat Marseille, we then have to take one point or more from trips to Dortmund or Napoli. Along the way, of course, we’ll have to hope that Dortmund and Napoli draw with each other while Marseille finds a way to win.

If we can defeat Marseille and Dortmund or Napoli, we should be through.

However, if we beat Marseille and draw with Dortmund and Napoli, we’d have eleven points. We’d then have to hope for results elsewhere that favor us: Marseille winning its remaining matches, Dortmund and Napoli drawing with each other, and so on. It’s a bit squeaky, then, isn’t it?

To settle our nerves and digestive systems, we’ll have a few days before Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park to face newly-promoted but struggling Crystal Palace, led by none than other Marouane Chamakh.

More on that when the time is right. For now, lick your wounds and put Tuesday’s loss behind you. It’s a speed-bump, little more.