Live Text isn't live anymore, this is a record of the match events.
95
REMINDER: Stay online for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Stephen Hughes will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
Full Time IT'S ALL OVER! ARSENAL 1 UDINESE 0
93
WHAT A WASTE! Di Natale with an awful free-kick and Arsenal are seconds away from victory
92
FREE-KICK TO UDINESE: And we are deep into stoppage time now
91
WHAT A SAVE! Handanovic with the save of the night as Walcott strokes a first-time shot towards the bottom corner. That would have been the perfect ending for Arsenal but they are finishing strongly here
90
FRIMPONG ON THE CHARGE: Great run down the left, he picks out Ramsey who flicks the ball inside to Walcott, he seems to get tugged but nothing doing again. We're into stoppage time
89
SHOUT FOR HANDBALL! Song miscontrols inside his own box but the ref gives nothing and Arsenal get the ball away, just about anyway
88
Substitution UDINESE SUB: Pinzi replaced by Abdi
86
CLEAN SHEET SO VITAL: If they keep Udinese out, Arsenal will be firm favourites to go through in Italy
85
GREAT TACKLE ON GERVINHO: For a moment the home fans thought a penalty had been given but the ref was pointing for a goal kick after a fine last-ditch challenge on Gervinho inside the box
83
FRIMPONG NEAT AND TIDY: After making his presence felt the teenager has shored up the midfield well. It's no coincidence that Arsenal have closed the gaps Udinese was exploiting
82
PINZI TRIES HIS LUCK: It crashes into the pole behind the goal but the Pole in the goal had it well covered
81
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Stephen Hughes will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
80
GOOD STUFF FROM WALCOTT: He sidesteps a challenge and crosses early. Udinese clear but they are on the back foot now after controlling much of the second half
79
Yellow Card YELLOW CARD: Armero goes in the book for not retreating 10 yards... before the free kick eludes everyone
78
FREE-KICK TO ARSENAL: Canny play from Sagna, he welcomed the challenge and Armero obliged. Foul, free-kick, chance for Arsenal
77
GERVINHO RELIEVES THE PRESSURE: Walcott picks him out and the Ivorian gets his shot away. It deflects wide for a corner but Udinese clear - eventually
76
WELL PLAYED JENKINSON: He gets back to smother a Udinese break into the box and clears. No risks from the new boy
75
SZCZESNY TO THE RESCUE! Di Natale curls the free kick towards the top corner but Wojciech scrambles across goal to push the ball away
74
FRIMPONG CLATTERS TWO OPPONENTS: Badu and Di Natale get the full treatment. Manny needs to calm down a little here. Free-kick to Udinese
73
Substitution ARSENAL SUB: Frimpong comes on for Rosicky. Is that another injury? Let's hope not.
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
Rosicky had run out of legs in midfield.
@Bouza__Koslov on Twitter says:
Rosincky still has a lot to prove. In the games that I've seen him play in the middle of the park, he hasn't convinced me
72
WOULD YOU TAKE 1-0? I would. Given the injuries and suspensions, I most certainly would. Then one Arsenal goal in Italy would leave Udinese needing to score three
71
Yellow Card YELLOW CARD: Pinzi goes in the book for clattering Gervinho
69
OH NO! WALCOTT! A magnificent pass from Ramsey releases Theo but he gets his shot all wrong. What a chance to give Arsenal a two-goal lead
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
That is the best chance Arsenal have had in the second half. Brilliant ball, brilliant ball, poor finish. He tried opening up his body like Thierry Henry.
68
LUCKY BOY DI NATALE! His showboating comes unstuck when Song wins the ball on the halfway line but a promising break is cut short as the Italian gets a free kick. Song is livid
67
ARMERO GOES FOR GOAL! Ooh, that fizzes just over from 25 yards. Decent effort. You can smell an away goal I'm afraid folks
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
Great effort. It is a good strike. Udinese finished fourth in Serie A and you can see they are a good team here.
65
ONE MORE CHANGE? Bendtner and Arshavin are warming up still. Maybe we'll see one of them soon. Meanwhile Vermaelen concedes a corner after a strong run from Isla
64
ARSENAL PLAYING ON THE BREAK: Udinese are enjoying the lion's share of possession at the moment and the hosts are having to settle for counter-attacks
63
REMINDER: Stay online after the final whistle for our post-match debate. Dan Roebuck and Stephen Hughes will be taking your calls as well as your e-mails so phone the studio on 020 7607 3200 (from inside the UK) or +44 20 7607 3200 (from outside the UK).
62
ROSICKY LOSES OUT... and Udinese can break again with Badu leading the charge. He's looked impressive tonight
61
SZCZESNY MAKES THE SAVE: That shot from Isla was probably sneaking wide but the Pole got fingertips to it just to make sure. Still, a goal kick is given
60
Substitution UDINESE SUB: Pasquale for Neuton
59
WALCOTT ON THE BALL: He hasn't really had much chance to run at Udinese since the first 40 minutes and that effort comes to nothing
Top Comments:
@donnandha on Twitter says:
I think the boys look good when it comes to defending, but we still miss a killer striker.
58
HAVE YOUR SAY: Leave your comments on the match on Twitter at #ArsenalLive
57
LONG BALL FROM KOSCIELNY: And that's pretty aimless to be honest. Arsenal haven't really got going since the interval
57
JENKINSON WINS HIS FIRST HEADER: And gets an almighty roar from the home fans
55
Substitution SUB: Off comes Djourou in pain, on comes Jenkinson for his Champions League debut. He was playing in the Conference at Christmas - an incredible rise for the young defender
54
JENKINSON IS COMING ON: Arsenal's injury woes continue and Carl is getting some final instructions from Pat Rice on the touchline
53
CORNER TO UDINESE: Djourou conceded it. He looks in a bit of pain to be honest. Carl Jenkinson is warming up alongside Andrey Arshavin and he might well be needed
52
INJURY NEWS: Gibbs has a minor hamstring injury. That's why he was taken off.
51
UDINESE ON TOP: They look more dangerous than Arsenal going forward right now. Wenger looks slightly concerned in the Directors' Box
50
DJOUROU IS LIMPING: Oh dear, that's not a good sign. Hopefully he can run it off.
48
DI NATALE GOES THROUGH: But Djourou gets back to make a fantastic challenge and possibly stop a certain goal. Great defending!
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
Criminal from Koscielny but credit to Djourou who made a brilliant last-ditch tackle. Udinese are growing, here
Kick Off WE'RE BACK UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES: Arsenal will attack the North Bank in the second half
46
Substitution SUB: So that's why Djourou was warming up. He's replaced Gibbs and Vermaelen has gone to left back. If it's an injury hopefully it's not too serious - especially as Traore is carrying a knock
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
All of a sudden, Arsenal's back four looks a lot taller
Half Time GOOD GAME, GOOD GAME: That's your lot for the first half and Arsenal have a Brucie Bonus thanks to Theo's early strike. Dan and Stephen will debate all the talking points during the break so have your say on Twitter at #ArsenalLive
Top Comments:
@GeneralOma on Twitter says:
Ramsey has been impressive holding the ball
44
Yellow Card YELLOW CARD: Gibbs goes into the book for a reckless challenge
44
VERMAELEN IT WAS... but that is blocked by a defender who looked suspiciously closer than 10 yards when the kick was taken
43
FOUL ON CHAMAKH: Danilo was the culprit and Arsenal have a free-kick 35 yards from goal. Vermaelen maybe?
42
SLOPPY FROM ARSENAL: They are giving it away too easily at the moment. Pinzi gets up to meet a diagonal cross for Udinese but the ball goes straight up in the air
41
SAGNA CROSSES... but that is too deep. At the moment the visitors look more incisive. Let's see this out until half time and regroup
39
THIS IS A REALLY TOUGH TIE: Udinese have proved they will take some beating. That early goal was very handy but lots of work for Arsenal to do. You sense a clean sheet is so vital to take to Italy
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
Another example of how quickly Udinese break. From one end to the other in a flash.
38
DI NATALE AGAIN: He really is a livewire. This time the diminutive striker gets a left-foot shot away that snakes past Szczesny and into the side-netting via the outside of the post.
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
He is pivotal in the Udinese team. Everything goes through him. He links the play well and all their play stems from him
@kakapo on Twitter says:
So far Di Natale is the most dangerous player for Udinese.
37
CORNER TO UDINESE: Arsenal aren't happy with that. Gibbs shepherded the ball out and don't get the goal kick. The extra official was just feet away as well. In comes the corner... headed away
36
GERVINHO HIT AND MISS: He's trying hard to make things happen and playing well but every now and then Gervinho's touch eludes him or he's not quite on the same wavelength as his team-mates. That will change with time though
35
CHAMAKH WITH THE HEADER! That's low and firm but he was holding onto Benatia and the ref gives a free kick
Top Comments:
Stephen Hughes on Arsenal Player says:
Another good ball in, this time from Bacary Sagna. The centre back was there but, if he doesn't get anything on it, Chamakh was lurking.
34
SHOT FROM GERVINHO: Good effort but it's blocked. Now Walcott has it... crossed into the box and just cleared away before Chamakh can get there. Another cross from Sagna... corner to Arsenal. Good pressure
33
HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think of the game so far? Leave your comments on Twitter at #ArsenalLive
32
DJOUROU WARMING UP: Are Vermaelen or Koscielny carrying a knock? Either way, Johan is limbering up down in front of me
31
HANDBALL! Gibbs plays a long ball towards Gervinho and he wins it well but the ball flicks off his hand
29
WALCOTT AGAIN: Theo goes on another run but runs out of ideas and his cross is too deep for Gervinho. A bit more incisiveness in the final third would make all the difference for Arsenal
28
SONG DID WELL THERE: The rebound came straight out to a Udinese player but Song dived in to block and Szczesny gratefully snaffled the loose ball. Chances at both ends here
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
A very open game of football. 30 minutes has absolutely flown by!
27
...GREAT SAVE SZCZESNY! What a break that was. Armero raced through and was one on one with the keeper but Szczesny stood his ground and made the save.
Top Comments:
@athan001 on Twitter says:
What a save from Szczesny!
@iamsmyeni on Twitter says:
Szczesny is a brilliant goalkeeper and he can only get better
26
CORNER TO ARSENAL: Walcott will take this one. It's a deep delivery but it's cleared and Udinese can break...
25
NEUTON STRIKES BAC! That's a crunching challenge on the right. No free kick though but Sagna stays down and the ball is kicked out. He'll be OK
23
ARSENAL PUSH ON: Great harrying from Gibbs on the right - yes, the right - but Sagna loses out and Udinese have goal kick. Gibbs trots back to his usual flank
Top Comments:
@NMc106 on Twitter says:
Gervinho is class at making runs
22
WALCOTT SHOOTS... and that's straight at Handanovic. Good turn, good shot, Theo looks very lively.
21
DI NATALE SO DANGEROUS: Udinese look for him every time and no wonder. Serie A's top scorer for the last two years is quick and elusive. Hard to see him drawing a blank over the two legs
19
BENATIA CLEARS: Vermaelen makes a rare foray forward but he is stopped in his tracks by a solid challenge
17
OFFSIDE! But only just. Walcott tries to curve his run but gets caught. He's enjoying this though, Champions League football suits Theo
16
VITAL TOUCH FROM VERMAELEN: Thomas sticks out a leg to deny Di Natale a clear shot on goal. The striker holds his head in his hands, he knows how close that was. Udinese look dangerous
Top Comments:
@Silent_Mick on Twitter says:
Good pressure and defending from our midfields and attackers. Gervinho is working box to box.
15
BADU, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? A decent build-up is ruined by his speculative shot that rolls miles wide. He smiles but his coach won't be
14
SUCH AN OPEN GAME: It's ebb and flow, end to end stuff right now. Most were expecting a tight, tactical battle but Walcott's goal has drawn Udinese out. There's lot of space in behind if Arsenal can get the right ball to Walcott or Gervinho
Top Comments:
@OmarSalem on Twitter says:
Arsenal are looking a bit vulnerable now. We need to keep and build on our lead and not squander it.
13
UDINESE HIT THE BAR! From the resulting free kick Di Natale crashes a shot against the woodwork. Szczesny couldn't get near it. A real let-off and a reminder that the Italians are a serious threat
Top Comments:
@ryantanuwijaya on Twitter says:
Udinese's counter attacks have been dangerous so far but Arsenal's defence looks pretty solid
12
Yellow Card YELLOW CARD: Neuton follows Theo into the book for brandishing an imaginary card at the ref.
12
Yellow Card YELLOW CARD: Walcott goes into the book for a clumsy trip from behind
11
BACK COME UDINESE: That early goal has set the game alight - and the atmosphere for that matter. This time Udinese break at speed and Song gets back to clear the danger
10
OH, WHAT A CHANCE! Koscielny was first to the corner but Vermaelen and Gervinho couldn't convert his knock-down
Top Comments:
@mosvinski on Twitter says:
An incredibly high tempo right from kick-off, good start Arsenal.
9
ANOTHER ARSENAL CORNER: The hosts are getting plenty of joy down the right. This time Sagna goes on the overlap and smacks the ball against a defender. Corner...
7
THEO ON THE CHARGE: Walcott goes down the right and wins a corner this time. He trots over to take it but wastes the chance to get a decent centre in
Top Comments:
Dan Roebuck on Arsenal Player says:
Good play from Theo Walcott, you can see confidence is up after that early goal. That’s what Arsenal need - Walcott attacking defenders.
6
JUST WHAT WE NEEDED: Considering the negativity around recent events Arsenal needed a fast start to get the crowd behind them. That's exactly what they've done
5
LOVELY CROSS, GREAT FINISH: Ramsey made the goal with a surge down the right and he picked out Walcott for a smart first-time finish from close range. Perfect start for the Arsenal!
4
GOAL! - Theo Walcott 1 : 0 WALCOTT OPENS THE SCORING!
3
KOSCIELNY GOES ON A RUN: He gets well into Udinese territory but loses the ball and a free kick is conceded. Stop-start here at the Emirates
Top Comments:
@zionkid007 on Twitter says:
Arsenal can win this one if they show a firm defence and, most importantly, convert their chances into goals
2
Yellow Card OUCH! That is a crunching challenge on Chamakh from Ekstrand. He got the ball but took all of the man too - yellow card
Kick Off OFF WE GO! Arsenal kick us off, attacking the Clock End in the first half
WENGER IN THE STANDS: The boss serves a one-match UEFA ban tonight so he's watching from the Directors' Box alongside Ivan Gazidis
HAVE YOUR SAY: Remember to use the hashtag #ArsenalLive on Twitter to have your say. We'll publish some of your comments right here on the text commentary.
HERE THEY COME: The players emerge from the tunnel and here's that famous Champions League music. Handel would be so proud of how popular it is now
VERMAELEN IS READY: Captain for the night Thomas leads Arsenal into the tunnel alongside Udinese skipper Di Natale. If you're not listening to our commentary team, now's the time to login.
THE WONDER OF YOU: Elvis' classic gets its first airing of the season. Scarves and banners are held aloft in the away end - it's a lovely sight
VIEW FROM THE PRESS BOX: The Udinese fans have packed out one corner of the ground and the rest of the Emirates is filling up nicely. We've got about 10 minutes until the off
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are you confident or concerned about tonight? Who do you think the boss should sign before the transfer window closes? Have your say on Twitter at #ArsenalLive
Top Comments:
@Reece_Okane_ on Twitter says:
I don't get why people keep telling Arsene what to do. He is the manager and he knows much more than us!
MATCHDAY SHOW: Former Gunner Stephen Hughes joins Dan Roebuck in the studio and commentary box at Emirates Stadium tonight. Our show begins at 7.30pm (UK time) with action, interviews, features and debate as well as live audio commentary
TACTICS: So it looks like Gervinho will start on the left of the front three before he begins his three-match suspension for that red card at Newcastle. Walcott will play on the right and Bendtner, linked with a move, is on the bench
SUBS: Fabianski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Djourou, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Frimpong, Bendtner
ARSENAL LINE-UP: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song, Ramsey, Rosicky, Walcott, Gervinho, Chamakh
TEAM NEWS: Two changes for Arsenal - Walcott and Chamakh replace Arshavin and Chamakh while Rosicky has been passed fit
HAVE YOUR SAY: We'll bring you the team news as soon as we have it. For now, post your comments on Twitter at #ArsenalLive
And lest we forget, Arsenal are without some key players of their own: new captain Van Persie and Nasri are suspended, Wilshere and Diaby are injured and Rosicky faces a late fitness test
Both teams have lost key players this summer with former Arsenal captain Fabregas and ex-Udinese star now at Barcelona. Tonight's visitors also sold Inler and Zapata but they have plenty of strength in depth
Nothing will be decided at the Emirates of course, that will have to wait for the second leg in Italy. But Arsene Wenger wants a clean sheet and a couple of goals to make life more comfortable on the continent
The Italians are in town for tonight's first leg and there's plenty at stake - a place in the group stage of Europe's premier club competition. For the losers, the Europa League awaits
Hello there. Welcome to Arsenal Player and welcome to live coverage of our vital Champions League play-off against Udinese
Arsenal
01 SZCZESNY, Wojciech
03 SAGNA, Bacary
05 VERMAELEN, Thomas
06 KOSCIELNY, Laurent
07 ROSICKY, Tomas
26 FRIMPONG, Emmanuel (73)
14 WALCOTT, Theo
16 RAMSEY, Aaron
25 SONG, Alex
27 GERVINHO
28 GIBBS, Kieran
20 DJOUROU, Johan (46)
25 JENKINSON, Carl (55)
29 CHAMAKH, Marouane
21 FABIANSKI, LUKASZ
15 OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN, ALEX
20 DJOUROU, JOHAN
23 ARSHAVIN, ANDREY
26 FRIMPONG, EMMANUEL
17 BENDTNER, NICKLAS
25 JENKINSON, CARL
Udinese
HANDANOVIC, Samir
ISLA, Mauricio
DANILO
AGYEMANG-BADU, Emmanuel
DI NATALE, Antonio
NEUTON
PASQUALE, Giovanni (60)
BENATIA, Medhi
ASAMOAH, Kwadwo
EKSTRAND, Joel
ARMERO, Pablo
PINZI, Giampiero
ABDI, Almen (88)
BELARDO, EMANUELE
DENIS, GERMAN
VYDRA, MATEJ
ABDI, ALMEN
PASQUALE, GIOVANNI
DOUBAI, THIERRY
FABBRINI, DIEGO
Top Comments:
@iamsmyeni on Twitter says:
I maintain, Szczesny is the future.