Arsenal's hopes of starting their Champions League campaign with an away win were dashed when substitute Ivan Perisic's superb late volley rescued a point for Borussia Dortmund.

Robin van Persie looked to have secured the points for the Gunners with a fine goal from Theo Walcott's through ball.

But Perisic dipped a sublime 20-yard shot home to salvage a draw.

And only a fine Wojciech Szczesny save from Robert Lewandowski in injury time stopped Arsenal finishing with nothing.

A defeat would have been harsh on the Gunners, especially after an improved rearguard action in the second half, but few could begrudge the German side a point from a match they dominated for long spells.

In fact, for 40 minutes in the first half Arsenal were kept almost completely on the back foot.