Champion’s League (Round of 16): Arsenal v FC Barcelona (1st leg); Match Preview
It’s pretty hard to cover ground that many bloggers, pundits and fans have already discussed. But I will try and put my own spin on the coverage of this colossal tie between Arsenal and Barcelona.
The saying goes, “In order to be the best, you have to beat the best.” For Arsenal, no words could ring truer than that as they head into the round of 16 against arguably the best team in the world right now. The ability of Barcelona is pure magic. Discussions on platforms like 벳38 have been filled with analysis and predictions, with fans debating whether Arsenal’s strategy can counteract Barcelona’s fluid style of play. Watching them dismantle a talented Madrid side in El Clasico was an example of how good this team can be if you let them play their game.
But Gooners and the squad at Arsenal don’t need any reminding of that. For the first 45 minutes of the home leg and for the last 75 of the away leg, Arsenal were outclassed. Sure they had their own flashes but if not for the luck of Almunia, the speed of Walcott and the – well whatever it is Nicky brings to the table, last year’s tie would’ve been over before it even began.
However, that was last year and this is this year. And things do change. Sure Bara look even better this season and but so do Arsenal – much to the dismay of the naysayers. Going into this tie, Arsenal are on a better run of form, have everyone of their key attacking players healthy and in the squad and have matured.
So how do the Gunners do it? How do they actually beat arguably the best squad of this era? (I don’t think they are the best ever – that’s a different discussion).
For that we are going to focus on the the three D’s of defence. That seems a little odd you might think for a game that has attacking football written all over it. But in order to play against Barca you have to defencively knock Barca off their game. Which brings us to the first D of Defence.
DELAY THE ATTACK:
This can be interrpreted a couple ways. The way I am looking at is push and pressure Barca up the field tightly, like Inter did last season and Sporting Gigon did this season. Each of these teams took away the midfield play of Xavi and Iniesta and it blunted any of the sharp passing set up that Barca is known for. It was the perfect blue print heading into this week that was needed. Take away the owner ship of the midfield and the attack takes time to develop.
DESTORY THE ATTACK:
Seems kind of like a more intense version of the previous D. And it is to some respect. But this all about total commitment to pressing whichever man has the ball. Regardless of Iniesta and Xavi when someone in a Barca kit has the ball get on him early and press. Arsenal themselves showed earlier this season they could do it when they absolutely dominated Chelsea at the Emirates.
The bigger stronger side that had so long tormented Arsenal had no answer for the pressing style that Arsenal displayed that night. It will take a similar effort, maybe more to do anything to Barca.
DEVELOP THE COUNTER-ATTACK:
The one things about Barca is that their Left and Right backs play so far up the pitch they in essence are more of wingers than they are defenders. Arsenal have to know this and when they do get the ball they can develop a lethal counter attack by exploiting the space behind Barca’s defenders. If they get the ball to either Walcott, Nasri or Arshavin on the wings with their defenders up we will have a chance to hurt Barca where they are susceptible.
Of the 14 goals that have been scored against Barca 8 have been from headers. Service from the outside on the counter to Van Persie is going to essential to keeping Barcelona honest.
That’s how it can be done. It can be done. Barcelona are afriad of our speed. Specifically they are afraid of Walcott’s speed. Nasri is healthy and could start and that is two pacey players who can really keep Barcelona honest. The key will be to not let Barcelona set up early like they did last season. There is no need to let them have that space. Respect is due a team that good but it only goes so far. Song and Wilshere and even Fabregas have to get in their faces and close down the space. The midfield is where this game is going to be won.
So long as we play our game and when we have the ball we are not wasteful with it the game shouldn’t be as frenetic as it is.
As a fan I am excited, worried and eager for this match. In my opinion it doesn’t get better then this. We are a team growing in confidence and in stature. We are playing a club we are aspiring to be like. No better way to be like them than to beat them. And as has been shown in the last week it can be done.
PLAYER NEWS:
Samir Nasri is back in the squad and has been practicing since late last week. He underwent two stress tests over the last two days and will be with the team. Wenger still hasn’t stated whether or not he should start. Frankly I am torn over it. Sensing we would need him more for the Nou Camp I wouldn’t want to sacrifice him. But if the player says he can go and the medical staff says he can, I would rather he start than Arshavin. Only for this – Nasri is better at getting back defencively and he is better at one on one situations than Arshavin (at least right now). If he can go I say let him go.
Bacary Sagna is suspended for the first leg from yellows received in the group stages. Emmanuel Eboue (lord help us) deputizes in his place. If I can – this may not be that bad as he does play behind Walcott, which if Barca do give him some attention may release some of the pressure on Eboue. (Hey, I can hope right?)
For the visitors, they will be without Carles Puyol. The man with the hair is injured and will not be part of the squad. Pique and Abidal will make up the central defence. Pique needs to be careful as he is one yellow away from missing the next match.
Projected Starting XI:
I am not going to venture any guess on an outcome. I want to enjoy this and I hopefully will.
The FINAL Word:
I am only a blogger and I am not sure I captured everything could be written about this match up. I know some of you are optimistic this side has a shot at upsetting Barcelona. I also another another set of you think there isn’t a chance in hell we can do it. I fall in to the cautiously optimistic. I believe the side is maturing and devleoping as cohesive unit but they may be only at the cusp of starting a long-term and lasting run (for a few years at least). Howver, rather than take my word on how we beat Barca, take the word of an Arsenal legend, Martin Keown in this great piece he did for the Daily Mail:
Martin Keown’s Lowdown On Brillian Barca, but Arsenal Can Beat the Spanish Giants
Also the English press have been absolutely gaga with Barcelona coming to London. Really, they way they’ve been drooling and going on about them, you’d think they were the Beatles. There have been interviews aplenty, insight in to the Barcelona youth academy and even pieces on how they should be held up as the model club all England club s should aspire too. Well, to a certain extent I can see that but I tend to agree with John Cross at the Mirror who a great piece on why Arsenal, not Barcelona are a club to emulate.
Barcelona are a great side, but the epitome of a well run club? Don’t make me laugh
And then finally this. Arsenal fans are preparing to let Barcelona loudly know how they feel about their meddling and tapping up Cesc Fabregas last season. There is a campaign that is being supported by a bunch of different supporter mechanisms and if you are reading this and going to the Emirates for the match it is asked that fans sing “Hands of Cesc Fabregas” sung to the the tune of “We’ve Got. . . ”
Well that’s it for now. Game on and Get In!!!!
UP THE ARSENAL!!!!
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