Arsenal Vs. Udinese, 2011 UEFA Champions League Playoff Round: Halftime, Theo Walcott Goal Has Arsenal Up By 1-0 Score

Between their lineup and their play in the opening four minutes, it appeared that Udinese were going to play a negative style and try to get back to Fruili with a 0-0 draw or a one goal loss. In the fourth minute, Theo Walcott scored a goal and their gameplan changed immediately. It was exactly what the game needed to become a more enjoyable affair for the neutrals, and though the score is still 1-0 at halftime, it's been a thrilling 45 minutes of play.

The goal came off of some bad defending and some intelligent runs by Arsenal players, with Aaron Ramsey picking up the assist on Walcott's goal. Bakary Sagna played him behind the Udinese defense and the young Welsh international put in a great cross, setting up Walcott for an easy finish.

Udinese then picked up the pace and almost found their equalizer in the 12th minute when Antonio Di Natale hit the crossbar with a stunning free kick. The 26th minute saw an even better chance for Udinese, as Pablo Armero almost scored the goal of his career. Picking up the ball in midfield, he made a stunning run through multiple defenders and used his pace to put himself one on one with Wojciech Szczesny. However, his finish left a little something to be desired and Szczesny made a good save.

It's been a wide open game since Walcott's goal, with Gervinho and Kwadwo Asamoah looking particularly impressive for their respective sides. Feeling like they may need a goal, don't be surprised if Udinese mix up their lineup with some substitutions, either at halftime or early in the second half. Things are working for Arsenal, though Marouane Chamakh has not been great and Nicklas Bendtner could make an appearance.