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Barcelona vs Arsenal

Great bit of play from Arsenal sees Clichy breaking, and Bendtner with a spearing header, but Valdes was equal to the challenge and did well to keep his side ahead. Barca break at lightning speed, but Xavi (never the best up front) misses the chance.

This is some footy.
 
Arsenal are so focused on the job of blocking out Messi, which they've done very well indeed, it's come at the detriment of allowing other players more freedom. Ibrahimovic may have been poor, but he's been seeing far more ball as a result, as has Busquets & Xavi.

Barcelona obviously have far better shape with Iniesta, but his absence has forced Barcelona to play differently, and therefore ask different questions of Arsenal.
 
Another nail in the coffin of Arsenal.
 
2-0 Barcelona, and it's Ibrahimovic again, being given far too much room and space, Barca just pop it over the top of Song & Vermaelen, who were nowhere as Ibrahimovic banged it in with impudence.

He started off badly - he's come out a different player in this half. Arsenal look very ragged.
 
So far, the only highlight for the Arsenal fans has been booing Jens Lehmann during a pitchside interview shortly before the 2nd half started.

Maybe Henry will be on soon. I would suggest for Pedro, because he's been largely absent for Barcelona.
 
Walcott on for Nasri, which seems a shame because Nasri - oh no, they've changed their mind, it's Sagna instead. Well, that's odd. The defence already looked odd, and now they've taken one off for a winger. Buh?
 
Walcott latches onto Bendtner's ball with pace, and sidefoots it through Valdes to make it 2-1. His pace is already more than testing Barcelona.

Glimmer of hope.
 
The goal has lifted Arsenal, and the massive amount of midfielders on the pitch is proving to be a real boon for them, as they attack in waves.

Pique hauls down Fabregas, draws the booking and misses the 2nd leg. Arsenal line up the free kick, and Fabregas sweeps it over the bar.
 
Henry, who has only scored 4 times for Barcelona this season, has come on for Ibrahimovic. Pedro stays on the pitch doing nothing. Another Arsenal moves down, leaving Barcelona to break, but Messi tamely blasts into Almunia.

Henry is greeted with a great reception.
 
Arsenal fans showing their love to Thierry Henry.
 
Walcott is mugging Busquets, Keita & Maxwell down the wing - few Arsenal players appear able to give him support though.

Denilson goes down after a challenge from Henry, and becomes yet another walking wounded.
 
Diaby now goes into the book after taking out Keita with a cynical challenge. Not needed.
 
Referee points to the spot, and sends Puyol off. A bit harsh for the sending off, but the penalty was fair enough.

How the hell have Arsenal got here...
 
Fabregas smashes it in. 2-2, in a match where Arsenal have been thumped. Well done.
 
It's come at a price. Fabregas can hardly move, and there are no subs. Barcelona haul off Messi for a Milito. They should have kept him on after seeing Fabregas hobble off.

Come on Arsenal.
 
Barcelona's decision to change Ibrahimovic has backfired to be honest. Henry just wants to drift out onto the wings, but there's nobody up front. Walcott has made the difference for Arsenal, and put enough doubt in Barcelona's minds for them to start giving the ball away.

The possession over the match is still more than 60/40 in their favour, yet Arsenal's post-Ramsey-legbreak guts are proving their mettle.
 
The match ends 2-2. What looks amazing for Arsenal on paper considering where they were, can only be assessed tomorrow with all the injuries they've picked up in the match.

A pulsating match. Shame the referee had to decide it.


Mentalist, your opinions!
 
ye gods, I'm simply limp after watching this.
Quite the comeback!
Gunners fans have a glimmer of hope now.
 
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