Apr 1, 2010
Honours Even at The Emirates, Arsenal -2, Barca - 2
A spectacular last twenty minutes performance by Arsenal inspired by Theo walcott saw Barca relinquishing a healthy two goal lead and eventually drawing the game. Everyone thought that two second half goals from Ibrahimovic were enough for Barca to seal the tie but late goals from Walcott and Fabregas left the honours even at Emirates. This draw has made the second leg tie at the Camp Nou very interesting; Barca hold a upper hand with the two away goals, but as I have posted earlier those may amount to nothing as Arsenal will be coming out in full force to attack Barca. To complicate matters, Barca will be without their regular choice centre defenders for the second leg. Pique was shown a yellow card which makes him ineligible for the second leg, whereas Puyol was shown a straight red. Arsenal also has Cesc Fabregas suspended for the second leg. To the build up of this game I have emphasised on the need to stay focussed on the task, but after the second goal we took the eye of the game and that resulted in the draw. Guardiola has been experimenting with his 4-2-3-1 formation for long. He employed the same tactic in this match also. I have many times expressed that such a tactic puts under immense pressure on counter, and I was proven right in last twenty minutes. The formation worked for the first half an hour as Arsenal was struggling to get into the game, but eventually they adapted and kept Messi out of the game by closing him down. In such a formation it is easy to do that. It is necessary for the team to start with the customary 4-3-3 formation in the second leg, so that we can use the width of the pitch. Guardiola started witha squad as expected. Alves, Puyol, Pique and Maxwell lined up in the defense. Xavi and Toure played in the midfield and ahead of them was the triangle of Keita, Messi and Pedro and Ibrahimovic further up.
Mar 31, 2010
Mar 30, 2010
Arsenal vs Barca, Champions League Quarter Final Preview
Barca vs Arsenal clash promises to be a Footballing Carnival
FC Barcelona will travel to London tonight to face Arsenal in the first leg of this season's Champions league Quarter Final. This clash of the titans has been billed as "Beautiful Football at its best". We have seen many times in the past, that the so called Big clashes failing to match the hype but this one will surely do. The major reason is both teams reluctance to give up their playing philosophy in any circumstances. FC Barcelona was dealt a huge blow in the build up of this match, with Iniesta being ruled out with an injury. Even though Iniesta has been not firing in all cylinders this season; he is an integral part in Barca's midfield strategy, especially in retaining possession. So it is to be seen how badly we are going to miss him. Pique is another who is struggling with his fitness, but if the news coming out of Catalan based media houses has to be believed he will start in the line-up. Arsenal also has some injury worries - Cesc fabregas is a doubtful starter. Arsene Wenger will wait till the start of the match before making a decision on his captain. To the build up of this game, Staurt from A Cultured Left Foot interviewed me. Please find the interview at Chat With A Barca Blogger
Mar 27, 2010
FC Barcelona makes Johan Cruyff an Honorary President
FC Barcelona board has unanimously named Johan Cryuff as the Honorary President of FC Barcelona. Johan Cryuff is the most successfuly player and coach Barca ever had. Barça’s corporative director general, Joan Oliver siad that "It is an honour to recognise him". Indeed it was just a decision waiting to happen, as Cruff always has been a very influential figure. He was always been a fatherly figure to Barca management, a voice which is revered for many Barca fans. His impact on the the club can be seen at all levels, especially in the playing style which resembles the "Total Football" philosophy. Laporta always regarded Cryuff's words as God sent and many times he was proven right.
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