That was the most compelling Arsenal match I’ve seen for a long time.
Udinese are a small, sparky, well-coached Italian outfit with brilliant scouts but, in the end, they’re too much of a one-man team.
Main man Antonio Di Natale sent a perfectly-timed header looping over Szszesny in 39 and that levelled the aggregate score at 1-1.
As I had suspected when watching him at the Emirates, Asamoah is an eye-catching attacker rather than a reliable goalscorer.
Gervinho had given Walcott a good chance which he had missed but in 55 he sliced through to the byeline and set up Robin van Persie for a sitter that the Dutchman knocked in from five yards. Fine play by Gervinho, who could become a prolific provider if he goes on like this.
The gobby Pole we all love made a sensational penalty save from Di Natale and Udinese lost heart after that.
Szczesny should have been in the team sooner. We all said it.
Sagna, playing with immense authority and maturity at left back, released Walcott on the left and he accelerated and scored a Thierry Henry goal, beating the badly-positioned keeper in 69.
So Gooners can relax this morning.
They’re not in the Europa Cup with Spurs.
Arsenal are in today’s Champions League Group Stage draw at 4.30 pm.
Wenger has £80 million to spend.
Can he make deals? Is he terrified of making a mistake?
Now sign an experienced partner for Vermaelen and two strikers and a left back.
These are just a few thoughts off the top of my sleepy head.
I just got up. Need to wake up and swallow some Greek yoghurt, blueberries & honey, then arrange my thoughts and mark Udinese 1 Arsenal 2 with the coherent blog piece it deserves.
More at 11 am or noon
love, peace and xxx
M