Van Persie earns slender lead for Arsenal

Arsenal will take a slender 1-0 advantage over Roma to the Olympic Stadium after Robin van Persie’s penalty gave them victory in the first leg of their Champions League, last 16 tie on Tuesday.

The livewire Dutchman was bundled over by French defender Philippe Mexes after 37 minutes and got up to smash a low spot kick past keeper Doni.

Roma, knocked out of the competition for the last two seasons by Manchester United, had a handful of chances to pocket an away goal, but Arsenal should have built a bigger lead for the return leg.

Nicklas Bendtner wasted their best chance shortly after halftime, blazing wastefully over the crossbar while Roma’s best effort came from a John Arne Riise drive that shaved the post.

After three consecutive 0-0 draws in the Premier League Arsenal began with real purpose at the Emirates.

Without injured Cesc Fabregas in midfield, Samir Nasri took on the responsibility of pulling Arsenal’s strings and his speed conjured an early chance for Bendtner.

Roma barely got out of their own half for 15 minutes but when they did Marco Motta forced a fingertip save from Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia. Simone Loria then wasted a great chance for the Giallorossi as Roma began to settle.

As halftime approached Arsenal’s early threat waned but they went ahead thanks to a soft penalty.

Bendtner played in van Persie on the left edge of the penalty area and Mexes, who was having an uncomfortable night, got the wrong side of the Dutchman and committed a clumsy foul. Van Persie confidently dispatched the penalty.

Arsenal began the second half in bizarre fashion as the game kicked off with centre backs William Gallas and Kolo Toure still walking down the tunnel, resulting in a yellow card for Toure.

The home side went for the kill, however, and had chances to extend their lead. Bendtner should have finished off a sweeping move and then Doni saved a low drive from Abou Diaby. Arsenal’s profligacy in front of goal continued when Emmanuel Eboue shot wide after over-indulging.

The home side were almost made to pay when former Liverpool left back Riise shaved the post with a fierce cross shot but apart from a late flurry of pressure Roma were content to hang on.