Arsenal vs. Udinese: Gunners' Poor Performance Actually Shows They've Improved

As Arsenal and Udinese battled it out at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier, it was at times difficult to determine which side were the Gunners.

Their uniforms were quite different in appearance, and one saw familiar names on the back of familiar jerseys. But something was not quite right under the lights in North London.

For long stretches of the game, Udinese absolutely dominated the game. After about the half-hour mark, the Italians almost constantly threatened Arsenal's goal and looked the much more dangerous side.

Yet somehow, some way, the scoreboard read 1-0 to the Arsenal when the final whistle was blown by the the referee. While I was glad to see Arsenal's first win of the season—and to not getting caught watching it at work—I was stunned by what I had seen.

For once, Arsenal got thoroughly dominated throughout an entire game. For once, keeping possession for more than three passes seemed impossible for Arsene Wenger's men.

The likes of Antonio Di Natale, Kwadwo Asamoah and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu tormented the Arsenal back line with their speed, well-timed runs and creativity for what seemed like 90 straight minutes.

Yet Arsenal did what it has been so unable to do for so long, especially when handed a lead: defend. And defend they did, as if their collective lives depended on it.

While my nails are surely unappreciative of the type of game Arsenal played, the footballing part of my brain has the opposite feeling after such an atypical win.

Granted, the reason why the Gunners needed to defend so much was because they clearly lacked quality in midfield, which is an issue that threatens to derail the club's entire season if Arsene Wenger cannot get over himself and buy a world-class replacement for Cesc Fabregas.

But let's focus on the positives here. An Arsenal side known for giving away leads like Manchester Citygives away money held one for 86 straight minutes.

At times, I felt like I was watching a Manchester United game. United's defenders always seem to make that one last-ditch challenge or come up with that little bit of magic to stymie an extremely promising attack. 

For so long, Arsenal have completely lacked that in defence, and it has shown in heartbreaking defeats and draws that should have easily been wins. In Manchester United's case, they have made a habit of nicking extra points from matches, even if they have been totally dominated for long stretches.

Time and again, the red jersey of Bacary Sagna or Laurent Koscielny or Thomas Vermaelen or even Carl Jenkinson was there to put a lid on whatever Udinese was brewing up. And when all else failed, Wojciech Szczesny was brilliant in goal, making a number of superb saves.

So, while the midfield must be addressed and is largely to blame for Arsenal's poor display against Udinese on the whole, the defense appears to be improving enough to tread water on its own.

The entire team must get sharper, and with Arsene Wenger's attacking philosophy as influential as ever, the defense will frequently find itself stretched against teams like Udinese that can strike on the counterattack.

But the back four proved that they can handle a sustained onslaught, and that will be massive for their confidence and a critical step toward quieting, if only a little, the rabid detractors who have lampooned the Arsenal defence for so long.

If we can keep up this defensive focus and drive for the whole season, it will give the midfield and attack time and freedom to sort themselves out, knowing that they have reliable friends behind them, ready to clean up their mistakes if necessary.

The next major litmus test for the back line will be against Liverpool this Saturday. If Arsenal can keep the momentum going and unleash their new-found confidence on the Merseysiders and then Manchester United the next week, it will take them a long way toward success.

Perhaps almost as importantly, it will restore Arsenal fans with some measure of sanity, as well. Then, we may just be able to look back at this Udinese fixture and mark it as the beginning of Arsenal's belated defensive improvement.

Follow me on Twitter: @CharlieMelman