Wenger relieved after first win at new stadium

LONDON, Aug 24 (Reuters) Arsene Wenger's pleasure at reaching the Champions League group stage was heightened by relief at Arsenal's first win in their new Emirates Stadium.

Wenger was further lifted by more evidence that teenage forward Theo Walcott has the makings of a regular match-winner after last season's Champions League runners-up grabbed a late 2-1 victory against Dinamo Zagreb to seal a 5-1 aggregate win yesterrday.

With captain Thierry Henry, midfielder Gilberto Silva and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann on the bench, Wenger's young side started nervously and gave away a soft goal on a rain-greased pitch when Eduardo took advantage of Kolo Toure's mistake in the 12th minute.

The London side took control after the break and a Freddie Ljungberg header from Robin van Persie's free kick brought them level before a late Mathieu Flamini winner sealed Arsenal's first win since arriving at the 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium from nearby Highbury.

''If we hadn't won tonight, people would have said that we cannot win at the new stadium,'' Wenger told reporters. ''It's good to get it out of the way.

''I felt we had a little bit of a sloppy start and it became difficult for us -- it was a little bit of a shock. It was difficult to come back in a convincing manner but the second half was all us.

''It's difficult psychologically to go into a game and put urgency into your head when you are 3-0 up (from the first leg).'' Justin Hoyte had a good game at left back in place of England international Ashley Cole, left out to ease a possible transfer to champions Chelsea, and Dutch forward Van Persie showed great touches. He had two good efforts on goal, one of which was tipped on to the bar via a goalline clearance.

The biggest cheer of the night from the 58,000 crowd came when Van Persie made way for 17-year-old Walcott, who joined Henry up front with 10 minutes left.

It was Walcott's cross which set up Flamini in stoppage time, the second time in five days that the youngster, who went to the World Cup with England, has created a late goal following the 1-1 Premier League draw with Aston Villa.

''He can make a difference with his penetrating power and speed,'' said Wenger. ''He had big support in the stadium but I am not sure he can start (a game) yet.

''But I won't be able to leave him out if he keeps setting up goals.'' REUTERS PM PM0903