REPORT: Arsenal 1-0 Udinese

ARSENAL 1 – 0 UDINESE

Match Report

UEFA Champions League

Emirates Stadium

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Kick-off: 19:45

Arsenal:

Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Gervinho, Chamakh

Subs: Fabianski, Djourou, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Frimpong, Bendtner, Arshavin

Udinese:

Handanovic, Isla, Danilo, Agyemang-Badu, Di Natale, Neuton, Benatia, Asamoah, Ekstrand, Armero, Pinzi

Subs: Belardo, Denis, Vydra, Abdi, Pasquale, Doubai, Fabbrini

The first leg of a Champions Qualifier held at Emirates Stadium usually sees a large amount of goals to the home team. This time around Arsenal could only manage 1 goal instead of the usual 4,5,6 goal drubbings.

It was a good start for Arsenal with Theo Walcott volleying with his left foot past Handanovic early on in the 4th minute from a Ramsey cross.

From then on Arsenal didn’t create much, and the dangerous goal machine Di Natale for Udinese came close with a free kick striking the bar, leaving Szczesny scrambling over to his right.

The score line doesn’t reflect how bad we were, although we weren’t great, with Gervinho providing most of our spark, if any. But Udinese looked a strong, well organised team, even with their best player Sanchez departing them for Barcelona this summer, just like our best player has left for Barcelona this summer.

I haven’t mentioned Fabregas at all yet, but you can tell we’re going to struggle without him. But we also missed Wilshere tonight who will become a massive player for us, if not already. Not forgetting van Persie was suspended tonight too, along with Arshavin not even getting any playing time tonight on the bench. Nasri I feel will leave eventually anyway, so no point in mentioning him either.

A good win against tough opposition, but we have to be very good in Italy, otherwise we may be on Channel 5 before you know it.

Manchester City Close to Signing Not One.. But Two!

If rumours are led to believe, Manchester City are honing in on Clichy for around £7m and Nasri for £20m. With the already increasingly look of Fabregas departing for Barcelona, losing another two first teamers is quite extreme. However Clichy hasn't been at his best since the Birmingham City game where Eduardo had his ankle and leg mauled.


Nasri on the other hand has played at a top level for half a season out of his three years at Arsenal. Albeit he could continue this form into the rest of his career, he hasn't contributed a great deal to the club.


Personally I don't think either two would be a big loss. Okay, it's to rivals who will only strengthen them but we made the players they are today, so to sell them on for a large profit and bring in other quality players in their position (which we must do!), then I'd say they can leave for pastures new.

Eto'o Sounds Out England

Samuel Eto'o has been linked with a move to the Barclays Premier League after confirming he'd like a chance to test himself in one of the toughest leagues still. Arsenal and Manchester City seem to be the front runners.

The former Barcelona scoring sensation who now plays for Italian giants Inter Milan still possessess his electric pace and ability to score at any moment. At the age of 30 he'd be perfect fit for Arsenal and if Eto'o were to come to England, we'd better snap him up quickly.