Arsenal 1 Udinese 0: Life after Fabregas, insists Ramsey after Gunners win

The day after Fabregas finally returned to Barcelona, the Welshman put in an assured performance in the Arsenal midfield last night, setting up the only goal of the game for Theo Walcott as they beat Udinese 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.

Asked how the week has been for the players, Ramsey said: “It’s time to move on. He was a great player for the club but now he’s gone.

“We just have to concentrate on what we’ve got here. We believe the squad we’ve got is very talented and we can achieve something this season.

“Hopefully we can carry on from where we’ve left off tonight, and keep getting positive results.”

Walcott missed chances to pad Arsenal’s lead – including one, set up by Ramsey, which brought a brilliant save from Udinese keeper Samir Handanovic.

Walcott admitted he could have scored more, but added: “I’m still coming back from my ankle injury. The goalkeeper’s made an absolutely fantastic save. It’s early days, it’s my first 90 minutes, and i’m very happy with the result. That’s the important thing.

“I was to get more goals. It’s a great ball Aaron’s played for me. Hopefully the boss will play me up front.”

It was a battle for Arsenal in midfield, but Ramsey feels they can get a positive result in the return leg in Udine.

“We tended to drop off a bit and there were gaps appearing but we dug in and gave absolutely everything tonight,” he said. “We believe we’re capable of going over there to win.

“The most important thing is a clean sheet. Our defence was solid, like at the weekend. I believe we can get the result.”

Lyon beat Rubin Kazan 3-1 in their tie, although the French side needed to fight back from an early deficit.

Russian outfit Rubin enjoyed a dream start as Vladimir Dyadyun put them ahead after just three minutes at the Stade Gerland.

However, Les Gones were level seven minutes later through Bafetimbi Gomis, and an own goal from Solomon Kverkvelia just before half-time combined with Jimmy Briand’s 71st-minute effort gave them the victory.

Czech champions Viktoria Plzen are in an even better position after recording a 3-1 away win over a FC Copenhagen side, coached by Roland Nilsson.