The Soccer Blog: Arsenal - Barcelona Match Thread

Thursday, 17 February 2011

Arsenal - Barcelona Match Thread

Arsenal – Barcelona Match Thread - The Offside - Arsenal blog

« Poll: Are you Nervous or Excited? | Home | Arsenal 2 – Barcelona 1: Late Comeback Gives Gunners Legitimate Chance at Going Through (+ Player Ratings) »Arsenal – Barcelona Match ThreadBy: Martin | February 16th, 2011
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Lineups are in:

Arsenal: Wojo, Eboue, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Wilshere, Cesc, Nasri, Theo, van PersieStarters: Bench: Almunia, Gibbs, Squillaci, Denilson, Rosicky, Bendnter, Arshavin

Barcelona: Starters: Valdes; Daniel Alves, Pique, Abidal, Maxwell; Busquets; Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Villa, Messi
Bench:

Nothing overly surprising for us. The big question was whether or not Nasri was going to be fit to start over Arshavin, and the answer is that Theo van Nasregas is back up in the beyotch. Good news if Nasri is actually fit, but it sounds like the physios did their homework here, so fingers crossed on that. On the bench, the big news is that Chamakh gets dropped from the squad entirely. He’s talked a lot lately about how hard it’s been for him to adjust, but honestly, I’m starting to get kind of worried — I know he had a winter break and all in France, but I don’t quite understand why he morphed from a good player to a bad one because of it. And it’s not even like he’s been playing that much. Anyway, topic for another day.

I’m late for a meeting, so I don’t have the Barca subs yet. Maybe if I get back before the match starts, I’ll update with that. Until then, let’s go out there and make a little history.

Come on Arsenal.

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Category: Champions League, Fixtures

Tags: Champions League, Fixtures
Tweet « Poll: Are you Nervous or Excited? | Home | Arsenal 2 – Barcelona 1: Late Comeback Gives Gunners Legitimate Chance at Going Through (+ Player Ratings) »donwilshere is the new xavi for arsenal, fab is our messi, nasri is our iniesta and walcot is our pedro
rvp is our villa.donagain i have to say barca are the new arsenal litePerry S.I recommend everyone watch this clip over and over and over again and don't forget the name on the back of that goal scorer's shirt.

http://video .stv .tv/bc/sport-champsleague-arshavin-20110216/MarioHey guys.. Greetings from the other side of the coin...I Just have to add that Arsenal truly deserved this victory as all cules over on our sector agrees.

Of course, I hate the loss, but I’d rather lose against a team that plays to attack us and uses pressure (as you did) than lose against a team that just sits deep (Inter). If we do go out by the hands of Arsenal I truly want you guys to left that Trophy in May @ Wembley. That scene will truly be a touching memory to remember but as well all know the 2nd leg is all to play for Barca. I expect a war come the 8th of March...That said glasses raised to you guys for a job will done and hope you guys continue this form and win the League of Man U!!!Perry S.Very noble of you, Mario. We appreciate the love.Andylowe14van persie for me is the ultimate symbol of arsenal, he has been there for so long and has never complained or made any fuss or wanted to leave the club despite not winning for so long and he is clearly a world class player, he has always just stuck at his task and played with his heart, has been a faithful servant of the club, he clearly loves the club... and when he ran over and hugged arsene wenger after smashing in the goal... a genuinely touching moment. what a playerPerry S.Wholeheartedly agree with you, Andy. He typifies world class, nobility, humility, and pure & utter master class skill.TJI love Kxevin.. if only every fan of every team was like him.Andylowe14i have great respect for the way the guardiola spoke of the match and the way he assessd arsenal before and after, there really is a mutual appreciation and respect between two great footballing teams. I have to say that when watching the champions league and especially arsenal barca (it was the same last year) i have a feeling like no other game.. it is the feeling that we are playing on the greatest stage in world football ,against the best and most glamorous side, i feel nervous everytime they make a sweeping attack and over excited everytime we make a push forward and make a chance. it is something about the speed of the game and the way it is played so so welll, and also the magnitude of the occasion makes the whole match so rediculously epic. As for the golas... i cant actually watch this video enough times... i just keep watching it and everytime it sends shivers down my spine.. http://www.101greatgoals.com/v.../ ... and because it was arsha who has clearly been saving all his goals for the important games to come now, makes it even better.... I N C R E D I B L EKxevinHats off. We were outrun and outcoached today. Your side wanted it more, and played like it. Both sides created chances that were squandered, but you turned yours as you were supposed to. Not much more to say, except I'm glad that Wenger didn't start Arshavin, or things might have been worse for us.

As I noted a while back, you would have a chance if you did what the likes of Copenhagen did, but you'd also need some luck. You did it, and got it. We still have a second leg though, and you're not through yet. But enjoy the victory. It was well-earned.Georgedb1BTW, we've asked for a great keeper, and I think we have an outstanding one in Szczesny... he has ambition and skill and he doesn't scare easily. I think he could be another Seaman.Gigi_manand did you see the way he was screaming at celebrating one of the goals...love the pole!ChullaloboGreetings from Bayern Munchen. I just came here to congratulate you guys on your success over Barcelona. I really admire Arsenal's mentality, you never gave up. Good luck on the second leg, I really hope you beat the living daylights out of Barcelona!!!Gigi_manThx man! Bayern my team in Germany!ForeverzidaneOne of the most critical points of the match was the superb prowess of Szcerny one on one with Messi, masterfully cutting all the angles so he had to really try hard and missed.
Aside from the obvious candidates Jack and Kos (Whom many fans have repeatedly bashed)
our Keeper was absolutely AMAZING ! So much confidence for such a young Goalie.
Thank you Arsenal.Ramses27A Hearty Congratulations from the Madridistas!Gigi_man:) THX!!!donbarca are the new arsenal-liteZito_v2My facebook is basically just a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the game, people must think I'm insane lol but I don't care, we finally showed our classASDFOut of the 3 players from our side who picked up yellows, none had carry overs from previous game right? Just making sure none of them miss the away leg due to suspensionSairaxEboue was the only one on a yellow. I think he picked up a yellow today right? Pretty sure Sagna will be back though.ASDFSong, Nasri and RvP picked yellows today. So we will have this squad and Sagna available for Nou Camp trip.Georgedb1Today's game was for the fans, and it flew in the face of the downers (I guess you'll be back on the bandwagon now)! The real Arsenal fans though, the ones who recognize the greatness of the team, knew that this was our chance. Screw the rest of the premier league... our boys play against eleven men but more often than not we play against TWELVE when you count the ref, as was the case in this game, AND we win. Thats more than any of the hapless hacks at f*ckchester united or any other side can say.

What a great win... enjoy it fellas, what a glorious day.Andylowe14im not sure the refs are against us... arshavin handball and messi was onside for that 'offside' header.. he was behind the ball when it was played. i know we get our fair share of shit decisions against us and if every decision is to go correctly then we are owed those 2 points we lost againt newcastle for the soft soft penalty and the non existent one.. but noone felt sorry for us then so lets just accept that its the way the game goes, no excuses! but the ref was if anything lenient towards us tonight, song should have been off for about 10 fouls on a yellow!Gigi_manHey I am a real Arsenal fan, I get angry, upset, I suffer, and as a fellow commenter here said thats part of being a real fan.
I guess every time we lose I will start screaming and wanting to kill them, and whenever we win I will love them again.
As structured as my life is, this is my non-structred passion and I follow the team with that..passion.
After all, I am always there even after those crushes all these years right?third eyeNope... Eboué did played poorly... I was concerned in the first half. Then, in the second half, he was more anonymous.

As you all mentioned, Wilshere played astonishingly well and considering his age, he will only become better. He literally initiated attack from deep midfield, something that Xavi and Fabregas normally do. Commentators were amazed, and surprisingly, he touched the ball more than Xavi and Iniesta!

And Kudos for Wenger... He changed the game with his offensives subs. When Song came off, I told myself that he was already booked, but it could be a big bet to play an all out offensive style agaisnt Barcelona, but they (Arsenal's players) proved me wrong.

What else can I say? Maybe that we stand more chance because Pique is out for the other leg. Nonetheless, we will be facing them in Camp Nou, so thing shall be difference...Rickey_banksWILSHERE had a GREAT game aswell!!!!!brentonGuardiola didn't make any excuses, just said they created lots of chances but couldn't score.

Very good game from Wojo. From Eboue too. Did anyone play poorly?donsong, fabregas were quite poorbrentonSong committed too many fouls in the first half, sure, but he broke up tons of plays and was ever-present on defence, getting in the way of so many passes. Fabregas didn't have a great game, but quite poor is probably overstating it. And he sent a few excellent passes upfield, notably the long one to Nasri to set up the second goal.WolffyWilshere had himself a game and a half fucking great play. Dare I say World Class???Andylowe14WHY NOT? hes only played half a season at this level (plus the bolton loan spell) and looks this good.. how good will he be next season and the season after??? he played with fearlessness and confidence from being young and new to the top level, but there is also clearly pure class underneath all that, incredible playerbrentonHe's like Jesus, with a football.DrachumChupa Barça!russianfancan anyone give links to the goals?Eklavya (barca fan)Congrats. Dunno what happened with us during the 2nd half. Oh well...

See you at Camp Nou!perryvsisn't Pique is suspended for the 2nd leg for picking up that yellow card?brentonLooking forward to it. I'm hopeful, but you guys are so strong there.brentonWilshere had an excellent game.Zito_v2That boy is just plain amazingCasimirHe is like Jesus with a football.Zito_v2Ok, I'm calm, I'm calm now. What a day, I like this team, joy is dressed in red and white.KariCongrats. Your boys played their hearts out. Deserved win. See you in the Camp Nou.Rickey_banksWE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great game!!! Koscielny HAD A GREAT GAME in my opinion.... he wins player of the game. ARSENAL FOREVER!!!!!!Gigi_manOk, ok. I just loooooove when the Gunners shut me up like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just love Arsha more if possible and RvP can simply become my my my...I dont know what but he is just splendid, NOW I WANT TO SEE THE REPLAY, HURRYING HOME!Perry S.What did I tell you Gigi_man? ;) You and I deserve credit for our unyielding love for the magician, you're going to be ecstatic when you see his lovely first touch goal.Gigi_manyeeesssss my friend!! I bet some more will want to join us now.
Perry S.I will guarantee you the media and all of the naysayers will suddenly say something like "He's so gifted it was bound to happen, no one ever doubted him..." yada yada yada. But you and I know and have known, he simply has the magic and just needs to be utilized properly!Gigi_manwell i for one loved also the way he celebrated, you gotta see that he loves the shirt no?third eyebeautiful goal by Arshavin and, an impossible goal from Van Persie!!! wowo, I really thought my hearth would stop... Arsenal are breath-takingJose (from BFB)Congrats on the good win, Gunners! See you at the Camp Nou...Zito_v2Oh my Goodness, I almost crashed on the road when I got the update on my phone, my heart is so tired!Zito_v2WE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SairaxI have to ask (also because I'm afraid to look myself).........was the disallowed Messi goal legit?brentonClose. It was confusing to me.JGPedro I think was fractionally offside, just savor the moment Sairax these things come once only every few years!brentonNah, Pedro was onside, and the linesman didn't raise his flag when Pedro go the ball, then did once the ball bounced to Messi.Homey_MillsOverall I think the referees did well tonight.brentonI think they were okay after some slight inconsistencies. But I didn't notice them in the second half, which is usually a good sign.SairaxAt least we've got the monkey off our backs now. We finally beat them.Gigi_manyes ma'am, thats a nice monkey off I gotta say, whatever happens we finally did.Perry S.Yes, he was offside. Saw two different angles of it.JGTo any downer who questions why do we even follow Arsenal (myself, at times, included), THIS IS WHY!!Georgedb1exactly... ARSENAL FO LYFSairaxI CAN'T FEEL MY LEGSCasimirStrike of the year by Van Persie! Hands down! And clinically done by Arshavin!brentonArshavin, what a strike. He was so calm about it, too. Showing great composure, and showing the value in having senior internationals who aren't fazed by the pressure.Andylowe14arshavin must have been saving his good shooting for the important games, he's missed enough chances in the last few months!! but seriously.. arshavin is one of those players who just raise their game for the big occaisions.. like gareth bale for tottenham, he thrives on the big games, the big european nights. it looks like wilshere is the same way!Illinois GoonerWow. I didn't think we had it in us after going down, but what a comeback. GO ARSENAL!!!!Perry S.So thats twice now that I've said Arshavin should be used as a sub, and twice now he's scored. Use him wisely and properly and he will pay you dividends. Andrei, and you are owed some respect by many...Gigi_managreed, i think he is the best joker we have as an impact sub, maybe leveled with Theo.JGI don't care if he just plain sucks the rest of the season (ok, maybe a little), he has reearned my respect after tonight!!Homey_MillsWow, very nice win. I still figure we're underdogs going forward, but I'll enjoy it for today for sure.brentonFT!!!! Arsenal win 2-1!!!JGIT'S OVER.... ARSENAL HAVE WONNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!brenton90 minutes. I am so nervous right now. Heart going like a jackhammer.

How many extra minutes? Just tell me!!third eyeArshavin is feeling this one man!!!!SJGgumbyFunny the GK comments pre-match - the GKs have been the difference today so far.third eyetold ya!!! 3 teams: Manchester united, Arsenal and real madrid and people called me delisionnal???brenton3 teams what?JGWOJO YOU THE MAN!!Perry S.GIGI -- Today we drink to celebrate our boy!Gigi_manyesssss sirrrrr!!!! :))))))))Gigi_manok, 77th minute, one goal down at home, lets not even start speaking about a return leg, and focus in the not-depending-on-us league.
Lets enjoy Cesc while he still there (and others for that matter).
But frankly I dont know what is this, all the players sounded so confident, that even in my nerves they got me dreaming.
And then there was hope, but really, now, lost all.

I dont even know if to blame it on AW, but I am sure there is something related to psiquis attitude.brentonArshavin from Nasri after good play from Wilshere and Cesc, I think, to set up the break.JGARHSA YOU BEATIFUL GOODDDDDDD

RVP I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!Perry S.omg omg omg OMG OMG OMG!!!
MY BOY HAS DONE IT, MY BOY HAS DONE IT!!!!11brentonGOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!JGHasn't been mentioned but KOS has been a BEAST

ARSHAVINNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!1brentonThat was an amazing shot by van Persie. Great pass by Clichy, brilliant shot squeezed in on Valdes' near post from an impossible angle.SJGgumbyUm. wow. Walking on water, for sure.Homey_MillsWhat a strike by RvP!JGGOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!brentonGOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!Homey_MillsWalcott off? He's the last one I'd take off.Perry S.Haha whats that again?Homey_MillsI stand by my comment. I'd have never taken him off and put Bendtner on.Perry S.Heh I fully agree with you man. I'm just messing around, just happy we got one :}SJGgumbyJack has really been tremendous. Win or lose, that's a nice takeaway. Though obviously I'd prefer him being poor and a win.JGSong off for Arshavin; funnily enough, I don't think Song had one dangerous moment in the 2nd half.Perry S.ok, last time it worked. time to sub in arshavin, this is where he shines...Perry S.come on you little magician, you can do it!mobile tracking softwareSweet. Thanks for the vid. I like your site and will be telling my friends about it.JGPique booked, misses the 2nd leg!!JGRVP not on form tonight...Homey_MillsIt seems to me that central defenders who play in all the games have an almost impossible job. In one game, they're supposed to shut down a guy like Zigic or Crouch. And then in the next game, they're supposed to deal with Messi or Torres. I'm not sure how any defender can really be equipped to do both.
Anyway, it's going about how I thought, which is not too well. Yes, we've had chances and might get another. But they're still more likely to score, and have created more chances. At the end of two legs, I don't think we have much hope at all. But at least we have the Carling Cup final ahead of us.brentonVermaelen comes to mind as mobile, quick and strong.brentonArsenal 0-1 Barca at the half. ESPN has these stats:

Stat ---- Arsenal - Barca
shots ---- 5 --------- 5
on goal -- 1 --------- 4
fouls ---- 10 -------- 5
possession - 34 ---- 66CasimirThese fouls are ridiculous. This ref really needs to stop pulling back play and let the game happen.

At least Nasri is creating some chances nowPatoux21Some calls are just rubbish. It's like you can't put any physicality in any challenge. And some similar challenges on Arsenal players don't get a foul. I can understand Messi is amazing with ball but if you touch a little bit there's a foul called.Gigi_manI am not watching (was going to but now I dont think so), but I bet its the same stupid thing, we play so cool that we forget that we cant be cool.
Man, how hard it is to make a striker uncomfortable???
Frankly, no offense to Barza, but damn didnt Inter stopped them last season?? and dont say that they parked the bus cause they did not, they just went out and faced them withut any stupid psiquis attitude.
I am really tired of this , really.
And then , after we are down, we start barking?? come on, this is just plain stupid,Patoux21Yeah on a few occasions we lost the ball carelessly when we had the ball in our last 20m. Trying to dribble or make risky passes so close to the goal is so stupid. Why not make high balls sometimes or give it back to the goalkeeper when they are no safe solutions. No we prefer to play like we were in front of the opposing defense ....CasimirWe're still creating chances and very nearly it the first goal but then the struck immediately after that. We are still in this people. The team just needs to collectively press harder. We're pressing but still not nearly enough or as much as they are. It doesn't help either that the ref keeps blowing the whistle or Barca is falling over like a bunch of strawmen. We are doing well on the counter and if we keep it up we really deserve a goal here.Perry S.Gigi - Understand your frustration but this has more to do with our defense and the high line than it does anything else. Barca quickly figured out how to get past it, and we're coming closer to breaking through. I think we'll notch one here soon from what I'm seeing.Gigi_manThx dude, I know I always react like this but its just that I ove the team too much and KNOW that have talent, I am so glad they SHUT MY MOUTH TODAY!!Perry S.Don't think its smart playing this high line, Barca already has us figured out. Wait, flick flick, goal.brentonIf you're going to press, you need to have a high line, unfortunately for us. Barcelona have figured it out pretty well.Perry S.Would have rather tried to defend and go for the counter since we have the speed to do so with Walcott.brentonI would argue that we don't have the defenders to try that. Positioning, composure and concentration aren't our strengths at the back, no matter how good Djourou has looked and how good Sagna is.Perry S.However that may be, we would be better off playing a lower line vs. us giving the world of landscape to Barca to counter on. Its too easy for them to get past us and there is no one to get back and recover. A standard defensive line would give us a better opportunity to defend properly and we'd be better off trying to catch them on a run.GoonerBensong is definitely gonna get sent off. If he makes it to half time I wouldnt be surprised to see him come off for arshavin with fabregas slipping back into his position alongside jack then nasri come central and arshavin go out wide on the leftIllinois Goonerso how long until an Arsenal player gets a red card? the way this ref is handing cards out we'll be down to 10 men before the second halfGigi_manok, thats it fellas, I am going to actually work, nerves too much, and one goal down, same old story again, kudos to Barza,
I am fed up, I wan a UCL and we'll never get it as such. Need some serious improve in order to do so and until we do..we wont be in the same line as Inter, Barza, Bayern, Real Madrid, Benfica, Porto, and all those big teams, that have actually won one.
Kisses, hugs.LondonGoonerDude now you doomed...everyone here would now tell you that Arsenal philosophy is not to spend money but raise talent from within...they will tell you that you do not believe in wenger's philosophy and that Arsenal is not like Barca, RM who spend way too much...everyone here likes being the second best...remember people till the time we spend some serious money (and we have LOADS of it...go read the annual reports) and get good players (read defenders)...we will never win.WilloSpoken like a true tugmutton
Gigi_manHey the philosopphy is fine and I never meant anything with it.
The problem is psiquis dude, we are not as big as them in our heads (the players)CasimirCmon Gigi. Porto benefica and Bayern couldn't last with us.Gigi_manI know, but damn they do have that trophy that we dont--sighIllinois GoonerThat's a bit harsh. We can beat all these teams 9-10 except for Barca and Madrid, but they have craploads more money than us.Gigi_manI know, but I think that I will be known as the guy who goes all emotional at times...its the love for the shirt oooopsssbrentonAnother great break, RvP couldn't hit the target.brentonSeriously, our marking is shit.CasimirLazy Koscielny....Illinois Goonerit was clichy playing him onside by a mile. He was WAY out of position.JGoh man....brentonAnd goal by Villa. Fuck. Seriously, how hard is it to pay attention to your check rather than watching the ball?brentonBarca slowly applying the pressure. The reffing hasn't been that consistent, and Song is walking a fine line.

Great break. Excellent pass by Walcott after a good dig in by Wilshere, Fabregas just missing with the cross to RvP.Perry S.my god, that was a beautiful counter...brentonAnd then Messi almost scores. Poor coverage by Koscielny, though asking him to keep up with Messi is probably too much.Perry S.GET BIG WOJO!brentonWow. 13 minutes in and we're dominating.Perry S.Come on Gunners, take it to them.brentonGreat great movement and chance. Brilliant. Moving around or passing through the pressure.

And then a borderline yellow on Song.brentonGreat run by Walcott. He'll be key for us tonight.ASDFCesc's programme notes before the game:

“Barcelona are the best in the world right now, but I think they are also an example of how to be patient. When I was there as a youngster not that long ago, they didn’t win anything for five years. My friends Xavi and Puyol didn’t win anything until they were 26. Nothing. Not even a cup. They always remind me to be patient, it will come. They say, ‘you are only 23 and you have the World Cup, FA Cup. European Championships, Champions League final. So many things. Until 26 we had nothing, we didn’t even know what it was to be in a final’. That’s what they tell me and it’s funny because now they have won everything in football. That shows you how football can change so, so quickly and that patience is the key to everything.”Andylowe14and more reason to stay at arsenal and see it through to achieve something with the team, if he leaves to go to barca he will feel like hes not really achieved it himself like they did, if you join an already winning team and keep winning... whats the point? better to stay at arsenal and by the sounds of those comments i think he has come to his senses and will stay put. even if he could get a regular place in barcas starting XI it sounds like he is onboard the with arsenal and wants to complete the journey, atleast for another few years to win some things. He's too much of a competitor to settle for winning by just joining an already winning team and winning in spain where is easier than in england. to win, especially the premier league, with arsenal would be true success
JevaThank the effin' lord someone else pointed this out. I've been harping on this issue for TWO YEARS.Perry S.I also don't agree with Wenger dropping Chamakh altogether. Seriously, why is Denilson included over Chamakh (different positions, but IMO if required, a bigger need would be Chamakh)?Homey_MillsI don't see the big issue in Chamakh being dropped. I think Denilson has to be on the bench, because he's the main backup for both Song and Wilshere. Having a couple defenders on the bench makes sense. So to me, it comes down to having 2 from the group of Bendtner, Chamakh, and Rosicky. I could see dropping Rosicky for sure. But if we consider Bendtner as being mainly a center forward, then I don't see the point in having 2 players on the bench at that one position. So then if we say that Bendtner is in better form than Chamakh, the decision isn't so odd.nakChamakh's situation has been on my mind for quite a while. Really sad. I wish i know more about what happened exactly, cuz he was doing great and he's an incredible player but then something happened now we rarely see him play. On another note, i'm glad Nasri will play cuz we need him! but i think we shouldn't let him play a lot of minutes just yet, for the EPL sake. I wouldn't want to see him play during the second half and would love to see Arshavin at some point even though he's having a weird spell himself currently... but oh well, go gunners!Perry S.Think this is the right move. Arshavin subbing in at the 60-65 mark is ideal for him. Recall 2 weeks ago and his quick goal after being subbed in at that time (I called it too :)EdGood luck today, really looking forward to watching.Alex PresidioGo Arsenalblog comments powered by Disqus