Lukas Podolski hits last-gasp winner to seal astonishing Arsenal victory

Arsenal pulled off a dramatic last-gasp turnaround, scoring twice in the final two minutes to overturn a one-goal deficit and secure a win over Anderlecht that puts them on course to qualify for the last 16.

Kieran Gibbs drew the Gunners level on 89 minutes before Lukas Podolski fired home the winner that sees Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund pull away at the top of group D.

Andy Najar had put the hosts ahead on 70 minutes with a well-placed header from a Dennis Praet cross and it looked like they would hold on against a below-par Arsenal side.

But Gibbs connected wonderfully with a cross from the right, coolly side-footing the ball into the net on the volley. Moments later Podolski found himself on the edge of the six yard box with the ball at his feet, turned and smashed it home to complete the unlikely turnaround.

The win puts Arsenal on six points, with Dortmund ahead on nine and Anderlecht and Galatasaray trailing on one each. That will please Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who celebrated his 65th birthday today, but the performance will not, with his side still way off their best this season.

70’ - GOAL! Anderlecht take the lead! Praet digs out a cross from the right and Najar rises high, hangs in the air, and heads past Martinez.

77' - OFF THE BAR! Anderlecht hit the woodwork! Arsenal leave themselves gaping at the back and Najar drives into the box, Praet's resulting shot is miskicked, bounces up and somehow comes back off the bar with Martinez wrong-footed.

89’ – Equaliser! It's Kieran Gibbs who connects with a Chambers cross, cooly side-footing the ball into the net on the volley. What a finish!

90+1’ – GOAL! Arsenal have turned it round! What a mad finish to the match! Gibbs stands the ball up, Sanchez plays it back across goal, and Podolski takes a touch and smashes it home!

Anderlecht have not won any of their last 11 Champions League matches.

Arsenal have won 8 of their 13 matches against Belgian opposition.

Papering over the cracks. The score-line will please Arsene Wenger and the 3 points put his side in a strong position to qualify from the group. However, how they came away with a win is baffling. They were bereft of creativity and confidence for large spells and were dangerously exposed at the back in the second half. The dramatic comeback distracts somewhat from what was another concerning performance for the Arsenal boss.

Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal): The Chilean was the one beacon of light in a gloomy Arsenal performance. While his teammates looked bereft of confidence and ideas, he was lively throughout and a constant threat.

Anderlecht: Proto 6, Vanden Borre 7, Mbemba 6, Deschacht 7, Najar 7, Tielemans 6, Defour 6; Acheampong 6, Praet 7, Conte 7, Cyriac 7.... Subs: Suarez 6, Dendoncker 6.

Arsenal: Martinez 6, Chambers 5, Mertesacker 6, Monreal 5, Gibbs 7, Flamini 5, Sanchez 8, Wilshere 6, Ramsey 6, Cazorla 6, Welbeck 6... Subs: Oxlade-Chamberlain 6, Podolski 8, Campbell 6.