Yesterday, Samir Nasri finally completed his protracted (although I guess a ‘quickie behind the bike shed’ compared to Barcelona’s pursuit of Fabregas) move to Manchester City. He was unveiled on the club’s website in a video which until he bumped into Patrick Vieira in a corridor was more like someone filming the new intern’s first day in the office.
Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger and the rest of his depleted squad were in Italy where they prepared to face Udinese for a place in the UEFA Champions’ League group stages. Having taken a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg at the Cameldome…We mean Emirates Stadium, Wenger must have feared the worst as the Italian side, who themselves were pillaged of their stars over the summer, Alexis Sanchez and Gokhan Inler , started brilliantly and levelled the tie through talismanic striker, Antonio di Natale before the break.
Instead of penning his resignation letter at half time, Arsene decided to do what he is paid to do rather than whingeing to the media about life being unfair. The attacking change to replace the ‘wet behind the ears’ Frimpong with Tomas Rosicky instantly reaped rewards as Gervinho set up Robin van Persie to open his account for the season.
A penalty awarded by the referee against Thomas Vermaelen for handball seemed to give the Italians a lifeline but Wojciech Szczesny produced a superb save and when Theo Walcott finally converted one of his numerous chances (give up the Thierry Henry impression Theo – you ain’t fooling anyone!) the Arsenal bench and players visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
With a 14th season of European football secured, Arsenal join the other 31 clubs in the draw this afternoon to see where their European odyssey will continue.
One place we might suggest Wenger also visits in the next week is the transfer market. Otherwise, last night’s highlight will become their only European highlight for another year with no guarantee of a return anytime soon…
By Conan Jal
@conanjal
