Walcott earns narrow lead for Arsenal

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Walcott earns narrow lead for Arsenal

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Arsenal defeated Udinese 1-0 in their leg one match of the Champions League play-off.

17 August,2011 09:36 am

Arsenal started life after Cesc Fabregas with a slender victory over Udinese in the Champions League qualifier first leg at Emirates Stadium.Theo Walcotts early goal ultimately proved decisive - but Francesco Guidolins Serie A side deserved at least a draw for their enterprise and will pose a real danger in the return in Italy next Wednesday.Arsenal, with Fabregas finally reunited with Barcelona and stripped of injured Jack Wilshere, lacked their usual craft and the lively Gervinho was often forced to fight a lone battle up front with newly-appointed captain Robin van Persie suspended.And Udinese almost took advantage of a disjointed display as they came close to scoring an away goal on several occasions, with veteran skipper Antonio di Natale a constant threat to the Gunners defence.Arsenal were fortunate when he hit the woodwork twice in the first half and brought an athletic stop from keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who also saved well from Pablo Armero in the first half, late on as Arsenal were forced to suffer to protect their narrow advantage.Walcott almost added a second in injury time only to see his close-range shot brilliantly saved by Udinese keeper Samir Handanovic, but such a margin would have been cruel on the Italians.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cut an agitated figure as he watched from the stands while serving a touchline ban, and Udineses celebrations with their fans at the final whistle suggests they are confident of overcoming the deficit at home.Arsenals depleted side craved an early goal to lift the spirits with Fabregas gone and Samir Nasri heavily linked with a move to Manchester City and it arrived after four minutes when Walcott applied a perfect near-post finish to Aaron Ramseys cross.Udinese settled swiftly after and troubled an Arsenal defence that carried an air of vulnerability that was in sharp contrast to their inventive attacking play.