Udinese 1 Arsenal 2; agg 1-3: match report

Brimming with pace and belief, Arsenal deservedly joined the Learjet elite in the Champions League rather than the easyJet-set in the Europa League following this ultimately comfortable victory at Stadio Friuli. Goals from Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott, and a magnificent penalty save from Wojciech Szczesny, kept Arsenal among Europe’s highest-fliers in Thursday’s draw. 

At least this will end the ludicrous speculation about Arsène Wenger’s future. Only a fool or rival would want Wenger out; Arsenal’s manager showed here how his players and supporters are behind him. 

The 350 visiting fans who had risked shredded nerves and heat exhaustion loudly sang Wenger’s name at the final whistle. Arsenal are known to be angered about insinuations that Wenger has been at odds with the board. Certain concerns remain, notably the pressing need for a centre-half, and Johan Djourou was badly caught out for Antonio Di Natale’s first-half header, but positives could be found throughout. Carl Jenkinson grew in stature in right-back after an awkward first half. Walcott, having missed a sitter in front of the watching Fabio Capello, demonstrated that he can shine in the centre, running through, giving Samir Handanovic “the eyes’’ and finishing emphatically. 

Such was the threat posed by Walcott in the second half that he even received the compliment of a sneaky Italian elbow. Pluses abounded. Wenger felt that Szczesny’s penalty save from Di Natale was the key moment, draining the confidence from Udinese, invigorating Arsenal and providing another reminder of the Polish keeper’s talent. More positives. 

In a breathless game played in 28C heat, moves flowing from end to sweltering end, Gervinho stretched Udinese down both flanks, running relentlessly with guile and speed, gliding past markers. After all the questions about Wenger’s spending, his biggest signing of the summer delivered impressively.