Van Persie gives Arsenal slender advantage
Van Persie's penalty was the difference between the sides
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Tuesday, 24, Feb 2009 11:06
Arsenal will take a slender lead to Rome for the second leg after a Robin van Persie penalty gave Arsene Wenger's side a 1-0 win over Roma.
The Dutchman scored from the spot in the 37th minute after he had been brought down in the area by Philippe Mexes
Arsenal had started brightly and dominated possession in the early stages.
Samir Nasri had two efforts which went just wide while Roma looked dangerous on the break with a spectacular long-range effort from Marco Motta flying just wide with Manuel Almunia making a brilliant fingertip save.
Simone Loria put a volley wide from a Francesco Totti free-kick before Alexander Doni did well to save from Van Persie from eight yards out.
Arsenal continued their dominance in the second-half and Nicklas Bendtner should have made it two but the Dane missed from seven yards when he scooped the ball over the bar when it looked easier to score.
Abou Diaby forced an excellent save from Doni before Emmanuel Eboue took too long when free in the area following some chaotic Roma defending.
Former Liverpool player John Arne Riise flashed a volley just wide in the dying stages but Arsenal held out and will be happy with their lead going into the second leg.