eplmatches.com

A first-half penalty from Robin van Persie gave Arsenal a narrow lead going into the away leg of their Champions League clash against Roma.

Arsenal were the better team over the 90 minutes and took a deserved lead when Van Persie was fouled by Philippe Mexes, then fired in low from the spot.

1-0 (Van Persie) -PEN

Fellow striker Nicklas Bendtner struck over from eight yards, while Emmanuel Eboue sent his shot inches wide.

Marco Motta went close for Roma but his 25-yarder was saved by Manuel Almunia.

Apart from that and a John Arne Riise shot that fizzed past the Arsenal upright, the team from Italy’s capital did little to excite their band of supporters at the Emirates Stadium.