Arsenal Ahead

The proposed sahur gathering of GanuGooners for the Champions League play-off did not materialised but perhaps it was for the better as it was not a match for the faint hearted. Despite the 1-0 victory, Arsenal lived dangerously at times and could have conceded the dreaded 'away' goal on a number of occassions.

However Wos Szczesny ended the match with another clean sheet and his telling contributions certainly gave much lift to the edgy nature of the post-Cesc atmosphere at the Emirates.

It was a start that every Gooners was dreaming of, Theo Walcott finding the net just after four minutes. The forward finishing calmly an Aaron Ramsey delivery into the box from the right. Many Gooners would have hoped that it was the opening of the Udinese floodgate.

Unfortunately, it was not the case. The Italians slowly gained their foothold on the match and came close when Antonio de Natale hit the bar midway through the first half. Szczesny was also called into action as Arsenal continued to commit errors which could have proven fatal for their Champions League ambition this season.

However, The Gunners managed to hold on to the lead and could even made it safer at the end of the match when Gervinho released Walcott on the left but the forward's shot was blocked by Udinese goalkeeper Handanovic. A 2-0 win would have given Gooners a more comfortable sleep at nights leading to the second leg match next week.

Despite the clean sheet, Arsene Wenger who watched the match from the stands, serving a one match suspension over an outburst after the Barcelona match last season; would need to address the question of his defence being so easily breached by the Italian side from time to time.

We should be counting our lucky stars that we managed to take a single goal lead without conceding any to Udine in a week time for the second leg.

It was not a glowing start for our life post-Cesc but certainly it was a good one. 1-0 wins throughout the season? I would certainly welcome that.

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