Well done boys, well done!
Arsenal and Arsene Wenger made certain to continue their phenomenal record of appearing in the Champions League group stages for the 14th consecutive year. For a club working on our budget whilst moving to a brand new stadium as well as all the other troubles we have faced this record is fantastic and credit should be given for that alone. Playing consistently at Europe's highest level is what keeps us as one of the world's biggest clubs (Are you listening Liverpool?)
As always Arsenal decided to do it the hard way. Following our collapse at the end of last season we lost our automatic entry and were forced to go through the agony of a two legged qualifier against Series A's Udinese. We took the victory in the home leg with a narrow and uncomfortable 1-0 win so the evening at the Stadio Fruili would decide our fate.
Udinese played well over the two legs and will be disappointed they didn't progress but their pain is our joy so I'm not going to cry too much for them. The return leg in Italy called on our entire squad to grow up quickly, show their character, bravery and spirit and put the loses of Fabregas and Nasri behind them and in line with the clubs motto for the season move the club 'forward' into a new age, a new age that had to include Champions League football. This was not a time for boys to have a kick about, this was a time for men to wear the cannon with pride and show no fear. Our boys did just that.
On the night, Udinese took the lead just before half time via a looping header placed over Szczesny and we went into the break a goal down and our hard work at Ashburton Grove cancelled out. This was a time for Arsene to show us he is still the right man to lead Arsenal. Wenger did not disappoint, he lifted the players showing he still has the ability to get the best out of the players he has to hand and he replaced Frimpong with Rosicky to give us a more attacking dynamic - a move that in my opinion won the game for us - to show that he can still make the right calls when it comes to all things tactical.
Goals from Van Persie and Theo Walcott eventually gave us the win we needed but it was the fight and spirit shown by all that made it an even sweeter victory. Gervinho impressed no end and once he returns from suspension we will see the difference he can really make in the league. Gervinho is an experienced player, he's played in the World Cup for Ivory Coast and last year won the league and cup double with his old club Lille. I am not surprised that 'the Forehead' stepped up to the plate but huge credit needs to go to our youngsters who faced the game as though they felt no pressure at all and took it all in their strides. In particular you need to look at Jenkinson and Frimpong. Both 19, both making their Champions League debut and both must have been quietly cacking themselves but they both did exactly what they had to do to get the job done and did it very, very well.
Rosicky produced quite possibly the one of the best performances I have seen from him during his time at Arsenal. He was a game changer and deserves all the credit he gets. He will be a useful impact player for the season, full of experience and hunger, could be exactly what we need to see out those tougher games that saw us drop points last season.
I can't talk about the game without mentioning the magnificent penalty save from the ever more impressive Wojciech Szczesny. If for any unexplainable reason you haven't seen the save, here it is:
With the score at 1-1 on the night this was a crucial save as had that gone in the momentum would have been well and truly with the Italians and our feeling today could be entirely different.
Last night was a credit to every Arsenal player and was much needed by anyone involved with the club at any level. The massive morale boost this provides the players should give us more of a chance for the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday and retains our reputation as one of the continents elite which should help attract the players needed for this to become a successful season.
The draw for the group stages starts from 4:30pm today and in all honesty I don't care who we get, we're in the competition and for right now, that's all that matters. We have had so much misery and disappointment in recent months that last nights victory and everything it means should be enjoyed for as long as possible. Enjoy the moment Gooners, we deserve it.
Till next time,
Goonerfish.
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