Joe Mardon
Despite the summer of gloom and the general feeling of Arsenal in freefall, it was somewhat of a relief to actually get back inside the E******s last night and join together as fans with the simplistic hope of winning a football game.
A bloody important football game.
Nerves were still palpable off the pitch, but they were eased somewhat by the early goal that fingers had been crossed for. That Ramsey found himself out wide was unusual in itself, but he must have been surprised further by the sight of two Arsenal players in the box at the same time. With Gervinho waiting in line, Walcott met Ramsey's fine cross to prod home from close range and the stadium sighed in relief.
Perhaps we weren't doomed after all? Alas the first half demonstrated the worries we all have with regards to this Arsenal. Comfortable in possession without threatening, whilst always worrying that the opponents can do just this with ease. This was evident when Song was robbed in midfield by Asamoah, all of 50 yards from goal, and the Ghanaian simply ran through the middle of our defence, unchallenged and through on goal with only Szczesny to beat. The Pole stood strong, as he would on numerous other occasions, to save us from the dreaded away goal. By half time we were also thankful to the rattled crossbar for this blessing.
Then came a game of Arsenal musical defensive positions, although f*** knows who was controlling the music.
With Wenger banished to the stands Pat Rice was left to get on with things to himself come the second half, as the communication he had with Arsene via Boro was spotted and halted by UEFA grasses. This was unfortunate enough without the procession of changes which Rice would now have to oversee on his own, looking up to the stands and Arsene for some guidance.
Let's assume it was Arsene who opted for Djourou to replace the hamstrung Gibbs at half time. A change which saw captain Vermaelen moved out to left back. If it was Arsene, he got it wrong. We instantly looked fragile and Vermalen, strong and commanding in the centre during the first half, was now out of position and confused at left back. His time there was brief, but the nine minutes were enough to know that the Belgium international is not the answer to that particular problem.
Arsenal hamstrings strained again as Djourou joined Gibbs on the treatment table just after he had been sent onto replace him. "What the F*** are you doing here?" Gibbs might have said to the Swiss centre half. "And why can't Gary Lewin come back?"
Pat Rice then sent on Carl Jenkinson for his Arsenal and Champions League debut, strangely selecting the life long Gooner to play at left back. This would have surprised Jenkinson, as it quickly became apparent that he did not own a left foot. It also confused Sagna, who had just been moved to left back himself as instructed by Szczesny, the Pole using common sense to conclude that it might be better to allow the rookie to take his Champions League bow in a position he was comfortable in. Right back. Whilst this mess was being sorted Udinese restarted the game with Jenkinson and Sagna both at left back.
Confusion reigned.
Such an unsettling spell was most unwelcome to a team already bereft of confidence, and we never matched the adequacy of the first half. Udinese gradually grew stronger and bossed an Arsenal midfield in which only Ramsey reached an acceptable level, always looking for the ball and trying to make things happen. A task which was certainly handicapped by the ineffectiveness of Chamakh playing as the main striker. A penny and a pound for Bendtner's thoughts on the Moroccans performance?
If only we had a team full of Bacary Sagnas. That would do. A Bacary Sagna equivalent in each position and nobody would ever left you down.
Although it was only ever a goal against away from turning, I thought the atmosphere last night was decent enough considering the current climate of gloom. For 90 minutes the booing, bitching and 'spend some f***ing money' were all left at home and I felt cleaner coming away from the ground as a result.
Clean but worried. Worried that we only have Van Persie to add to the squad in time for Saturday and that we'll be without the injured and suspended. Worried that if Arsene doesn't spend some f***ing money he will be tying a noose around his neck by trusting this lacking squad to keep up with the rest. Worried about the massive second leg that lies in wake; where the worst case scenario doesn't bare thinking about.
It's hard to be positive about this season at the moment. Whilst looking for crumbs and signings, I keep coming back to the hope that surely Arsene must know that his squad isn't complete.
Two signings before Saturday would increase the quality of the team and the whole atmosphere around the club. Imagine arriving at the E******s on Saturday with Cahill and Mata to show off?
I don't care if each player costs Arsene three or four million pounds more than the economist would like to pay. Such differences are only a home match gate away from being made up. As Nike said, just do it.
*Follow my Arsenal ramblings on Twitter @TheArsenal_
