Arsenal - 2, Barca - 1; Arsenal Takes the First Leg

Arsene Wenger has finally managed to register his first victory against FC Barcelona with a splendid 2-1 come back from behind victory. David Villa gave Barca the lead in the first half but Arsenal came back spectacularly in the second half to take the game away from us. We have now everything left to do and to make matters worse we will be without the service of Pique for the return leg. Guardiola's plan to sit back and take on the pressure in the second half back fired heavily and we had to pay for that. Guardiola lined up with Alves, Pique, Abidal and Maxwell in defense. The midfield had Iniesta, Busquets and Xavi. Messi, Villa and Pedro formed the attacking trio. Arsenal started with Nasri from the start on the left.

Continue Reading...

Arsenal vs Barca Champions League Preview

FC Barcelona vs Arsenal Promise to be yet another classic

FC Barcelona and Arsenalbuild up into the most important match of this season so far in contrasting fashion. Played your opponent out of the park, is an under-statement when it comes to describing Arsenal's performance against Wolves. The most important fact for the Gunners is that everyone of their players looked to have hit perfect form just in time for the biggest match of this season. In contrast Barcelona's match against Sporting was a struggle and they had to work really hard to save a point from the match. There are two ways of looking to the draw in which we lost the consecutive win record. The first one is the positive way, with suffering a small blip against Sporting, we can expect our boys to be extra focused and motivated for the match against Arsenal. My biggest fear on Saturday morning was to see Barca stroll past Sporting and then suddenly realise tht life could be a bit harder in London on wednesday. Thankfully Sporting did beat Arsenal to that and whichever way you tend to look, that draw could be a very important oen for the season.

Continue Reading...

Sporting Gijon - 1, Barca - 1

FC Barcelona's consecutive winning runcame to an end at the most unlikeliest place, Estadio El Molinon. Sporting Gijon made life hell for our boys in the first half and we had to rely on a brilliant finish by Villa to grab the solitary point from the match. With this draw we have now moved eight points clear of Real Madrid. Madrid will be playing Espanyol tomorrow night and have the chance to cut the lead to five points. The biggest point to be seen is how our players get over this small blip when facing Arsenal in the Champions League. Guardiola brought in some changes with an eye on Champions League clash against Arsenal. Alves, Milito, Pique and Maxwell made up the defense. Busquets was rested and that meant Mascherano started along with Iniesta and Messi. The front trio had a new look with winter signing Afellay partnering both Messi and Villa.

Continue Reading...