The match being at the Emirates was an advantage to the Gunners and with the news of their Captain Marvel 100% fit, added more to their hopes of taking a first leg lead. But Barca made it look so simple (NO WONDER THEY ARE REGARDED AS THE BEST TEAM IN THE WORLD!!). They had the maximum possession all through the game (First half, 39-71 in Barca's favor!) and it was clear who the dominant force was. Ibrahimovic, Xavi and Pedro all coming close to scoring, but up stood Almunia, the Salvager (Last weeks Easter gift to Birmingham was still fresh in his mind). He pulled, what I can say was the best performance by a keeper off late. 0-0 stood the score at the first 45.
At the commencement of the second, when I saw the Arsenal body-language, it depicted as if they had bowed down to the Euopean Champions, walking tamely down the field. Barca on the other hand came all guns blazing and yes the first half pressure finally paid off.
Gerrard Pique, the ex-Manchester United man (Wonder why Fergie let him go??), put a cutting looped pass that tore the Arsenal defense, and Ibra finished it with a neat lob over Almunia. There was nothing the keeper could do about it. The Catalan Giants put on the accelerator and were on the score sheet again, another from the Swedish striker, finishing off a brilliant ball through Pedro. Scoreline :- Arsenal 0-2 Barcelona.
Though I am a United faithful, there is one thing I admire about Arsene's boys, they have tremendous fighting spirit, they just don't give up. I guess that is what makes them Arsenal!! (Yeah this coming from a RED DEVIL, will sure seem an amazement, but soccer is what WE admire!!)
Wenger then used his trump card and bought THE-OOOO!!! Walcott joined Nasri and Fabregas in the mid-field and with his first touch, almost provided a ball to Bendtner, but Valdes picked it clean. Nicklas Bendtner had a super opportunity to draw blood. He met Clichy's cross decently but hit it straight to Valdes who made a fair save. Barca still with the lead.
Though Barca had the major possession, it was Arsenal who were up and gung-ho. The referee (He seemed a Devil in Black), was lashing cards after cards and produced one for Cesc, who unfortunately misses the next match!! But that didn't stop him from making a mark. A delicate chip by Eboue, Bendtner tapped it into Fabregas's feet. Here the story took a turn. What looked to be a penalty, wasn't one, as Fabregas's feet tangled between his counter-Captain's legs and the referee(The poorest official I've seen till now), pointed to the spot. What was more silly, he showed a red card to Carles Puyol. Up stepped the young Arsenal torch-bearer and with his trademark right-cornered shot, he drew level (Of course he didn't celebrate against his boy-hood club..RESPECT!!)
What looked like a mauling by Barca now stood an EARNED draw for the Gunners!! (But yes, Barca were robbed off their victory!!) (PLEASE DON'T KILL ME FOR THIS, YOU GOONERS!!)
But nevertheless, all to play for next week with the return leg, Arsenal without their Captain and ditto for Barcelona. I hope there is no theft this time (Appoint some brainy officials UEFA!!)
DEVIL FOR LIFE!!!
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