Ljungberg applied the finish to a sweeping move to get the Gunners' Champions League campaign off to the best possible start.

It was Arsenal's second of the evening after Dennis Bergkamp had finally broke down a resilient Dortmund defence in the second half courtesy of a deflected goal.

And it was worth the wait as a magnificent four-man move involving goalkeeper David Seaman, Sylvain Wiltord and Thierry Henry was rounded off by the Swedish international.

Arsene Wenger's men maintained the momentum that has seen them make an excellent start to the domestic season.

And, on this form, the London side can certainly expect to make the latter stages of Europe's elite competition.

With Arsenal in such mesmerising form, Highbury awaited another spellbinding display from their star performers.

Yet Wenger's men found it tough going in the first half against a well-organised Dortmund.

Arsenal played some neat one-touch football and frightened the Bundesliga champions with their lightning quick break-away attacks, of which Henry was their best exponent.

Ljungberg, back in the Gunners' starting line-up for the first time since having a hip operation in the summer, looked some way off full fitness but provided a useful outlet on the left.

Indeed, the Swede's steely determination created the hosts' best chance of the opening period.

After escaping the grasp of the Dortmund midfield, he threaded the ball swiftly to the feet of Henry, who in turn laid on the perfect pass for the oncoming Wiltord.

But the Arsenal striker's first touch was not equal to the build-up and his shot was well-blocked by Jens Lehmann, who had earlier pulled off a good save to deny Henry.

Surprisingly, there had been no off-sides in the entire first half.

It was somewhat ironic then that Henry found the back of the net immediately after the restart, only for his goal to be ruled out for that offence.

That Henry was penalised again moments later for straying just offside suggested it was only a matter of time before Arsenal broke down Dortmund.