Thursdays will remain Spursdays

That is more like it. The Arsenal I'm accustomed too.

A display full of courage and passion, verve and purpose. A critical game, and this team passed with admirable flying colours.

This isn't an indication that our squad are good enough for the season, but it's a nice indication. The likes of Jenkinson and Frimpong have impressed, Szczesny once again came to the fore and Theo showed us once again what he can do in the central striking position.

The first half belonged to Udinese, just as the second half belonged to Arsenal. Di Natale, impressive in the two legs, was the vocal point for the Italian side, everything going through him. It was his looping header that put Udinese ahead, and levelled the tie at 1-1. It was a bit of a hammer blow for us, but it was coming. We regrouped at half time and came out with real desire.

Gervinho, who amidst the departures of Cesc and Samir, has had the spotlight removed from him. Do not forget we have a special special player on our hands here. He can pass, dribble and works very hard. He created the first goal, taking on the full back and his pass finding Robin van Persie who fired into the net. 1-1 on the night, 2-1 on aggregate taking us through to the group stages. We needed to be strong for 5 or 10 minutes, so conceding a penalty shortly after left a bit of a sick taste. I had no idea what the penalty was given for, neither did the commentators. Upon the replay, it was given for handball by Thomas Vermaelen. Very very harsh indeed. This penalty was crucial. If they scored, Udinese regained momentum. Thank for the lord for one Wojciech Szczesny. WHAT A SAVE. Di Natale must still be thinking how it never went. He hit it high and hard towards the keeper, yet our young Pole was more than equal to it. I'm not quite old enough to remember David Seaman's penalty save against Sampdoria, but I'll never forget Jens Lehmann penalty save against Villareal. And for me, that penalty save was right up there. A moment to savour.

Our second was a thing of beauty. Theo Walcott, on the half way line, exchanged passes with Bacary Sagna. From then on, he always looked like he was going to score. He burst past his defender with consumate ease, and buried the ball past the keeper. Very Thierry Henry-esque. If we ever wanted proof Theo could make it as a centre forward, well there was it. He started the scoring in the tie, and finished. 2-1 to the Arsenal.

A big massive fuck off to all the doubters. Bizarrely, there is even some amongst the home fans. Last night we played superbly, with passion. But it's just the start. With a few additions, and I stand by the fact Wenger will add, we will be a real force. Even this season.

For now, rejoice in the Champions League. Leave the Europa League to that lot down the road.