FC Twente 0 Arsenal 2STEVE McCLAREN had noted, with that rueful smile of his, that in football "the best team does not always win - I know that more than anyone". He was referring to his demise as England's manager, when the defeats against Russia and Croatia denied them the place he felt they merited at Euro 2008, yet as he began the salvage operation on his career he could equally have applied the notion to his first game in charge of FC Twente.
McClaren got the main thing that he wanted from his new team in the first leg of this third-round qualifying match, namely a dynamic performance, full of slick passing and movement. But he was cruelly denied his other wish, a result to keep them in contention for when they travel to London on Wednesday week.
Arsenal's relief after second-half goals from William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor was palpable. They had been second-best for the opening hour and, had the breaks gone Twente's way, the Gunners might have awoken today in cold sweats. As it was, a place in the Champions League group stage is all but theirs, the scare that Twente provided seen off.
The pre-match discussion had focused on Arsene Wenger's injury problems, but the Arsenal manager was able to name six of his best XI, arguably seven.
McClaren's programme notes were in Dutch, yet one phrase leapt off the page at the English reader: "Grote Underdog". Most onlookers expected Arsenal to be far too strong.
Yet it was apparent from the off that Twente would provide a real test. McClaren had drummed into his men that they had nothing to lose and they thrived on the grand stage, bringing bite and no little guile. In Cheick Tiote, their summer signing from Anderlecht, they had an outstanding deep-lying midfielder, and if Marko Arnautovic, Twente's lone striker, had not fluffed his first touch when one-on-one with Manuel Almunia in the 36th minute then the Dutch would have gone into a deserved lead.
This was the first time Twente had graced Europe's elite competition and it was unlucky they had to play at the home of their rivals, Vitesse Arnhem, as their stadium in Enschede is being rebuilt. Nevertheless, 25,000 supporters made the one-hour journey to create a boisterous atmosphere.
It was a big test for Arsenal's youthful central midfield pairing of Denilson and Aaron Ramsey, the 17-year-old signing from Cardiff City, who was given his debut. The Welshman betrayed his nerves as he tried to find the range and rhythm to his passing to assert an influence, but he was not the only Arsenal player who struggled.
Arsenal's only first-half chance followed a spill from goalkeeper Sander Boschker, after Gael Clichy had tried his luck from distance. Bacary Sagna dragged the rebound wide.
The home club's swagger, however, was checked, together with the volume of their fans, when Arsenal conjured a goal that they had barely threatened. Robin van Persie sparked panic in the penalty area with an inswinging free-kick from the right. Boschker stayed on his line and no one in front of him could deal with the awkward bounce. Nor could they contain Gallas. The defender bundled home in ungainly fashion but the goal felt priceless.
Arsenal could then enjoy the cushion of a face-saving second. Theo Walcott crossed for Adebayor to slide underneath Boschker from close range.
Guardian Service
FC TWENTE:Boschker, Wielaert, Tiote, Franco, Braafheid, Wilkshire, Brama, Arnautovic (Gerritsen 90), Janssen (Heubach 90), Elia (Huysegems 86), Denneboom. Subs not used: Paauwe, Zomer, Wellenberg, Chery. Booked: Janssen.
ARSENAL:Almunia, Sagna, Djourou, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Ramsey, Denilson, Walcott (Randall 84), Adebayor, Van Persie (Bendtner 88). Subs not used: Fabianski, Vela, Wilshere, Hoyte, Gibbs. Booked: Denilson, Van Persie.
Referee:AU Mallenco (Spain).
