Arsenal vs Barcelona, Feb 16 2011:
“Fàbregas, it’s Nasri – can he go all the way here? Still Nasri, looks for Arshavin! Wonderful play from Arsenal. Arsene Wenger’s philosophy put to practice and not even Barcelona can come up with an answer. It’s a goal worthy of the prize”. This moment, the ebullience of it, the jubilation and that resounding roar at The Emirates Stadium as Andrei Arshavin slotted past Victor Valdes, has never quite repeated itself – not before, not after. The build-up, in itself, was a sign of what was to come. Arsenal doing something special against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona felt like it was written in the stars, something that had to happen, and so it did. Safe to say, it still is the best ever night witnessed at The Emirates Stadium, but, that could all change as the two European giants meet again after five years – same place, same stage.
Doing it the Arsenal Way
There’s all kind of talk of just how much would Arsenal need to sit back in order to cancel out the wave after wave of the lethal MSN attacks. However, people generally don’t realise the fact that sitting back all game, in a way, means letting Barcelona control the game and do what they want to do. That’s exactly what they want from Arsenal – a reluctance to play their natural game, allowing Barcelona to further push Arsenal back into their own halves. It’ll be impossible to defend if you are adamant that you want to stay back.
To come out with the intent to match Barcelona’s attack is madness – yes – but to let that attack dictate the terms for the better part of the game actually means playing the game straight into their hands. They’ll find a way in with all the artillery they have, even with all of the Arsenal team sitting back defensively, so, there’s no point of doing that anyway. Rather, a better approach for Arsene Wenger’s men would be to play their kind of game, albeit with minimal adjustments, so the Catalans know that the home side are in no mood to defend all game-long, hence, there being more caution in Barcelona’s otherwise carefree attacks. Remember, attack is always the best form of defence.
Patience is the Key
Arsenal’s natural instinct, as we have often seen, is attacking without any brains when in need of goals, and being caught woefully on the break. Call it rudderless defending, or feckless attacking, but the result is the same – a pure trouncing. Arsenal have gifted numerous games away because of their impatience when in possession, and Barcelona will know that. In fact, that’s a problem with almost every single English side – too much commitment forward, no one back minding the shot.
When Barcelona come, what Arsenal must ensure is that they are very disciplined and patient when they are on the ball and in front of goal. Throwing too many men forward, especially with Per Mertesacker as one of the centre-halves could throw the home side out of the game. Barca catching Arsenal on the break is a definite goal. There’s no catching them once they are away. Also, as important as patience is, it is equally essential to stay close and compact. Just don’t give Andres Iniesta and company any space to put that killer ball in. Cohesion and staying within the position is a must in these kinds of games.
Game-Defining Battles
MSN Vs Petr Cech: One of those games where Arsenal need their star-goalkeeper more than the defenders. The Czech Republic Footballer has on so many occasions been his team’s savior and Arsenal will demand the same of him.
Luis Suarez Vs Laurent Koscielny: Barcelona’s most potent forward (at least at present) Vs Arsenal’s most effective and best defender. Now this is one battle the Frenchman will have to win for his team for the North Londoners to have a chance against the European Champions.
Alexis Sanchez Vs Dani Alves: Alexis is where more than half of the threat comes from in Arsenal’s case, and if he can somehow contain Dani Alves with all his skills and pace, goals will come for Arsenal. It could be a long night for Wenger’s side if Alves has a good game.
Possible Line-up’s:
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