Second clean sheet of the season was secured at the Grove by more luck than judgement in the crucial Champions League qualifier first leg last night.
Our problems before the match were well publicised but after Gibbs was taken off injured at the interval and his replacement Djourou suffered from an identical hamstring strain only minutes into the second half, our unsettled defence did miraculously to escape with a clean sheet against an impressive Udinese.
We were given the perfect start by Theo Walcott in the 4th minute after a quick break away led by Aaron Ramsey who crossed to the near post for Theo to calmly volley past Handanovic with his left instep. It was a quality finish and Theo looked like our most dangerous forward but we were outplayed by the Italians, particularly in the second half and his service was very limited.
Our midfield was worryingly overrun and as on Saturday, Song, Rosicky and Ramsey appeared to get very tired. Our back four was completely exposed on a number of occasions but good saves from Sczcesny, the woodwork and last ditch interventions from every member of the defence prevented Udinese from making their domination count.
Walcott actually had the chance to double our lead in injury time but failed to convert from 15 yards after brilliant work from Gervinho. The Ivorian struggled to make an impact as without van Persie we had no focal point to our attack but he still demonstrated his ability to ghost past defenders and the pass to Walcott indicated he has the ability to find the end product.
It is a slender advantage to take to Italy but Wenger will be confident that we can get the crucial away goal. He will also be hopeful that our luck with injury improves and all Arsenal fans will be desperate to see players brought in so that we do not have to rely on very inexperienced players in such crucial matches
After Gibbs’ injury Vermaelen moved to left back with Djourou in the centre but after the Swiss international’s injury, Jenkinson filled in on the left and Vermaelen moved back into the middle. At times Jenkinson looked awkward on the left as he is very right footed but he performed well and showed the fight that was evident throughout the side even though we really struggled. It was a promising character trait to see in the team but it was a night that proved we still need players to be brought in, in almost every position.