Arsenal narrowly defeated Udinese in the first leg of the Champions League Play-off on Tuesday. Theo Walcott’s early goal was the only tally of the match. Arsene Wenger may face action from UEFA after he contacted the bench during the match.

Theo Walcott broke the tension at the Emirates early with a goal in the 4th minute. Aaron Ramsey made a run down the flank, and then curled a low cross into the box. Theo Walcott volleyed the ball into the net. It is was good finish from Theo, who looked dangerous the entire match.

Udinese were clearly not afraid to play at Ashburton Grove. They lived up to their billing as a free-flowing, counter-attacking side. Antonio Di Natale lofted beautiful chips into the box for his teammates, but the Italians were unable to convert. Pablo Armero, a quick wing back, was the best performer from Udinese, using his work-rate and pace to create a variety of chances.

Gervinho seems to be unable to cross or shoot without hitting the nearest defender. The Ivorian has great ball control and pace, but once he approaches the box, he either holds onto the ball for too long or smashes it into the closest opponent.

Udinese decided to play four in the back instead of three, which was customary for them last season. Their attack was fluid, particularly in the second period, and was fueled by a number of skilled wing players, like Armero, Mauricio Isla, and Giampiero Pinzi.

Arsene Wenger will again be subjected to the ire of UEFA. According to The Guardian, Wenger relayed messages to Pat Rice on the pitch through phone conversations. Arsene believed that he could use coach Boro Primorac to communicate with the bench. UEFA warned Wenger at half-time to stop the communications.

But Primorac continued to talk on his mobile phone, and UEFA likely found this suspicious. Pat Rice even began looking up to the stands for Wenger. Arsene refused to hold his usual post-match press conference, thinking that his suspension should apply to that as well. It was probably just a sly move to anger UEFA.

The papers today have come up with some of the most blatant Arsenal-bashing headlines to date. For example, The Sun are running an article titled “Steven Howard warns Arsene Wenger over has-Beans.” The general consenus in the press is that Arsenal are lucky to have won the match, and that they are in big trouble.

Arsenal suffered two injuries to their back four. Kieran Gibbs, on of the Gunner glass-men, was taken out at half-time due to a sore hamstring. His replacement in the match, Johan Djourou, succumbed to a hamstring injury and Carl Jenkinson was brought in for him in the 56th minute. Wenger may have a makeshift defence for the upcoming Liverpool match.

If Manchester United had edged Udinese by a score of 1-0, then all the pundits would be applauding their bravery, experience, and winning mentality. If we do it, then of course that is not nearly good enough If Arsenal ever narrowly beat a team, then the Wenger empire is ready to crumble.

In reality, Arsenal did not have their best performance, but considering the absences of Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri, and Jack Wilshere, it was not a terrible outcome. Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey understand the importance of a clean sheet in the first leg (told to Sky Sports).

Walcott: “Yeah of course, but the most important thing was a clean sheet and our defence was solid yet again, just like at the weekend.

“It’s nice to get the goal, but they’re a strong team and we’re going to find it difficult over there, but we believe if we play the same football we can get the right result.”

Ramsey: “I think it was important to keep a clean sheet tonight, but they were a good opposition, it was a difficult test for us, but we came through it and scored a goal.

“But it’s still far from over. We’re going over there with a game to go and hopefully we can finish the job off.”

Walcott also reiterated his desire to play as a central striker, saying “That (striker) is where I want to play this season…” He has done this in the past.

In fact, Walcott would have had a brace had Samir Handanovic not made a terrific save. In the 91st minute, Gervinho made a brilliant run around the Udinese defenders before finding Theo nestled in the penalty area. Walcott tried to curl it into the far post but Handanovic had it covered.

Arsenal got a decent result Tuesday night. They did not concede a goal, and are in the right position to finish off Udinese. The second leg in Italy will still be very tense and exciting, but the Gunners handled their business at home. Hopefully, with the addition of Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshere into the squad, Arsene Wenger squad can move onto the group stages.