Arsenal vs. Udinese: Game Analysis and Arsenal Player Ratings

1 nil to the Arsenal.

The final score will give hope to fans and players alike but it is not over yet.

With Arsene Wenger serving a one match ban, and newly appointed captain Robin Van-Persie also unavailable due to suspension, Arsenal began it's UEFA Champions League campaign for the season.

There were only two changes to the team that started the Premier League campaign at Newcastle.

Marouane Chamakh came in for the suspended Van Persie while Theo Walcott took the place of Andrei Arshavin.

The Gunners could not have gotten of to a better start when the clinical Walcott guided in a great cross by Aaron Ramsey in the 4th minute.

That goal took the nerves out of both players and fans as Arsenal looked to build play around the Udinese players, and looked a more purposeful side than in Saturday's game.

With their pressing and attacking movements Arsenal were looking to exploit any rustiness in a Udinese squad that was playing its first competitive game of the season.

Udinese looked to be feeling the effects of life without players such as Alexis Sanchez and Gokhan Inler but as the game wore on they had their share of chances.

Antonio Di Natale struck the bar from a long range free kick, and Pablo Armero easily squeezed through the Arsenal defense on a counterattack resulting from an Arsenal corner, only to be stopped by Wojciech Szczesny.

Towards the end of the half Udinese gained more possession, and it was evident Arsenal would need either another solid defensive display or another goal to really put the game to rest.

The majority of the second half was played in Arsenal's half.

Some poor passing out of the back and in the midfield by Arsenal players led to more possessions and a variety of chances and half-chances for Udinese.

Despite this, and a makeshift backline due to injuries to Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou, the defense held well and there were few real worrying moments.

Szczesny dealt well with a Di Natale freekick, and Pablo Armero's shot late on was always going wide.

Arsenal had possession in spurts but did not really threaten them, excepting for Walcott's shot in extra-time which was brilliantly saved.

The game as a whole was okay and in the end it was a good result for Arsenal.

They still have to face a Udinese side that will be a week fitter, a week more prepared, and playing at home next week.

Wenger will be happy with the way his team was able to achieve the goals set for the game but he must know that the team still has a long way to go in Italy.

Wojciech Szczesny

Rating: 7.0

Analysis: The only real nervy moment of the game came from Di Natale's long range free kick. Made a good stop on a one-on-one with Armero in the first, and another well placed Di Natale free kick in the second. Had little to do otherwise but was solid throughout.

It is between him and Vermaelen for Arsenal's best player

Kieran Gibbs

Rating: 5.5

Analysis: Off due to injury at the start of the second with a hamstring injury, Gibbs was not really troubled in the first but was not necessarily solid either. Made a good recovery run early on but also committed some unnecessary fouls. Popped up on the right wing for a little in Total Football fashion.

Thomas Vermaelen

Rating: 7.0

Analysis: A good display deputizing for newly appointed captain Robin Van Persie. The cornerstone of Arsenal's defensive resilience, Vermaelen rarely put a foot wrong when playing either center back or left back.

Possibly Arsenal's best player of the day.

Laurent Koscielny

Rating: 6.0

Analysis: Okay in the first half as Udinese attackers took some time to grow into the game. Saved by Djourou early in the second half after a bad giveaway, and got away with another bad decision late in the game as Di Natale wasted a good free-kick opportunity late on.

Defended decently otherwise.

Bacary Sagna

Rating: 6.5

Analysis: Solid and unspectacular. Armero provided a threat down the left for Udinese but Sagna dealt with it well in general. Like the rest of the Arsenal defense, did well to keep an important clean sheet.

Alex Song

Rating: 7.0

Analysis: Another strong display. Made some important recovery runs, and blocks in the first half. Defended well in the second.

Aaron Ramsey

Rating: 6.0

Analysis: His cross for Walcott's goal was superb, and he was involved in some good build up play. As the Udinese midfield took control he, like the rest of his teammates, was made to chase, and was not able to help Arsenal keep possession for too long.

Tomas Rosicky

Rating: 5.5

Analysis: Involved in some nice build up play from time to time but did not have a significant contribution to the game. Substituted in the second half to allow Emmanuel Frimpong to provide a more combative midfield presence.

Gervinho

Rating: 6.0

Another decent performance and was lively in the first half, though the end product was lacking, again. Nearly notched his first assist in the last minute with a slalom run and through pass to Walcott.

Theo Walcott

Rating: 6.5

Good start to the season, scoring the only goal of the game and looking lively in the first. Like many of his attacking teammates, faded a little in the second half as Udinese took a little control. Almost put Arsenal in an even stronger position but was denied by a brilliant save late on.

Marouane Chamakh

Rating: 5

Analysis: Okay first half with some decent touches but faded in the second half, and looked short of confidence throughout.

Johan Djourou

Rating: N/A

Analysis: Unfortunately hobbled of with injury in what has become a normal sight for Arsenal fans. Saved Koscielny early on and that incident was probably the cause of his injury.

Carl Jenkinson

Rating: 5.5

Analysis: Outmuscled almost as soon as he came on, with the resulting play being a dangerous Udinese cross dragged across the goalmouth. Was able to help the defense keep a clean sheet.

Emmanuel Frimpong

Rating: 5.5

Analysis: Two quick fouls upon entering, one resulting in a Di Natale freekick that Szczesny did well to save, and did his best to help Arsenal keep possession for little spurts.