Theo Walcott's first-half strike gave Arsenal a slender 1-0 victory over Udinese in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier at the Emirates Stadium. The win, achieved without Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere, Robin van Persie, and Samir Nasri, provided some relief for manager Arsene Wenger, who watched from the directors' box due to a touchline ban.
However, the performance did little to ease the sense of uncertainty surrounding the club. Arsenal's defensive frailties were exposed when injuries to Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou forced a reshuffle, handing a full debut to teenager Carl Jenkinson. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was outstanding, making crucial saves to deny Udinese, particularly Antonio Di Natale, an away goal.
Wenger's ban also caused controversy as he was reported to Uefa for communicating with his assistant via a coach. The manager avoided post-match media duties, claiming his ban covered all aspects of the game. The result leaves Arsenal with a narrow advantage ahead of the second leg in Udine next Wednesday.
