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Gunners win, heave sigh of relief

Comment: 0 August 25th, 2011 by: admin

ENOUGH of the woes for a while, it’s time for some good news for Arsenal.

The Gunners set aside a recent rash of worries by subduing Udinese 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League group stage for the 14th consecutive season.

They arrived from London in crisis mode but left Italy with renewed confidence.

Overall, I believe we had a great game. We felt relieved,’’ said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after the game held at the Communale Friuli Stadium.

Prior to their latest win, Arsene Wenger and his men were nursing wounds that put them on shaky grounds against the Italians.

The Gunners had an awful start in the Premier League season, having tallied just one point from two matches – while suffering their first home defeat to Liverpool in 11 years.

They were also depleted by the transfer of former captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City. Fabregas already played two games with Barca, while Nasri officially joined City on Wednesday after passing the medical.

Adding to their worries was the two-match suspension in Europe meted on Wenger, although the UEFA considered his appeal and lifted the ban and allowed the French manager to call the shots against Uidnese.

Despite the agony, Arsenal found a way to savour a win.

They came from behind to turn back Udinese, with new captain Robin van Persie, forward Theo Walcott and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny taking the starring roles.

After Antonio Di Natale fired the Italian side ahead in the 39th minute, the Gunners woke up in the second half to alter the game’s complexion.

Van Persie levelled the count after scoring in the 55th and then Walcott wrapped up their 3-1 aggregate victory after connecting in the 69th. Walcott also provided the goal in their 1-0 win at home in the first leg.

Szczesny’s contribution came by way of saving a penalty shot by Di Natale in the 59th.

Gervinho slid in a cross to Van Persie who struck from the top of teh goalbox. Walcott’s game-sealing feat came after he brok through the Udinese defence and beat goalie Samir Handanovic.

Arsenal was called for a handball, sending Di Natale to take the penalty kick but Szczesny frustrated him and the Italians by palming away Di Natale’s shot up over the bar.

In other fixtures, two-time European Cup winner Benfica and Lyon also progressed and joined BATE Borisov of Belarus and Czech squad Viktoria Plzen.

Benfica defeated Dutch side Twente 3-1 after a 2-2 first leg, while Lyon made it to the group stage for the 12th successive year afer drawing with Rubin Kazan of Russia 1-1. Lyon won the first leg 3-1.

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