Arsenal pulled off an unthinkable, and quite frankly, superb result against Barcelona last night. This ain’t up for debate!
So here’s top chap Gunnersphere’s take on what was without question a historic game. Bookmark the quality Gooner blog that is Gunnersphere HERE! for future enjoyment, people.
The Gunners recorded their first ever win over the Spanish giants in an enthralling 2-1 victory at the Emirates, which has given the North London side a great chance to progress through the tie. However, many fans (including myself) will be expecting a much tougher challenge at the Camp Nou on March 8th. But until this day arrives, let’s just sit back and savour what our team produced last night.
Having lost my voice by going mental at the TV, bitten off all my fingernails and nearly breaking my hand in frustration, I’ve managed to settle down and write up my Arsenal player ratings from the game…enjoy:
Wojciech Szczesny – Hard to believe that the 20-year-old Pole made his Champions League debut last night…but what a way to introduce yourself to Europe. Dealt with what was thrown at him, and should be pleased with his performance…has to work on his kicking though – 7/10
Gael Clichy – Had a rocky start to the game and was pinned back a lot. His lack of concentration and positioning of led to David Villa staying onside and nicking an away goal. Got forward a lot more and made up for his first-half error by assisting with Arsenal’s first goal – 6/10
Johan Djourou – Barcelona’s movement gave the Gunners all sorts of problems, but Djourou held his own and showed great spirit throughout – 7/10
Laurent Koscielny – My man of the match. He continues to improve week in week out. Got stuck in and showed great desire to win the ball. Got caught out a little bit at the start, but hey, he was up against Messi and Co. Solid performance – 9/10
Emmanuel Eboue – Had a poor game. Held onto the ball for far too long, and was caught out on a number of occasions by Villa and Messi. Dubbed him ‘Ebssi’ last night after making so many forward runs – 6/10
Alex Song – His booking in the 7th minute led to a cautious performance. Nevertheless, he did well tracking runners. Was substituted in the 69th minute – 7/10
Jack Wilshere – The best game I’ve seen Wilshere play in an Arsenal shirt so far. The 19-year-old got stuck in, his passing ration was superb, and just got better and better as the game wore on…made Xavi and Iniesta look anonymous. A very close second for the man of the match award – 8/10
Cesc Fabregas – His dinked ball over the Barca back-line to find Van Persie in the first half was class. A great captains performance, but looked tired as the game progressed – 8/10
Theo Walcott – His electrifying pace frightened Barcelona all night. Was a constant threat, but faded in latter stages of the game. Nevertheless, a really inspiring display from Walcott – 7/10
Samir Nasri – Not his usual self due to his swift return from injury, but managed to find Arshavin for Arsenal’s second – 7/10
Robin Van Persie – Scored from an unthinkable angle to equalise for the Gunners. Really professional performance from the lone striker – 8/10
Nicklas Bendtner (Sub) – On for Theo in the 77th minute, but rarely touched the ball. Had a chance to set up Arshavin for a late chance on goal, but decided to go for glory – 5/10
Andrey Arshavin (Sub) – Would have been upset not to start the match, but the little Russian proved to be Arsenal’s super-sub. Scored the winner – 8/10
