Article by: Calvin ‘Calves’ Ferreira
Wow! What a game, from a neutral perspective that was one of the most enthralling one sided games of football I have ever watched. Some are saying it was a repeat of last years exit, others are blaming the referee (who was appalling by the way). But, the bottom line is that Arsenal did not pitch up at the Nou Camp last night for the second year running.
- The catalyst Messi.
Wenger came with a similar tactic to last years. A defensively structured, high line, counter attacking system that is only effective when you have 11 players on the field and all 11 are performing the job requirements you as a coach have set out for them. More importantly the individual errors that were made last night by top class players! You cannot in your pre-match planning as a coach expect Cesc Fabregas to back heel a ball on the edge of his box 1 minute before half time, nor can you plan for Van Persie’s ludicrous red card which he was shown in the 56th minute. All these things are factors outside of Wenger’s control.
Yet in saying that what did he do to try change the game after Barca went 2-1 up? He was not animated enough for me in a game of this magnitude, the players did not look like they wanted to win besides young Jack Wilshere, Samir Nasri and Laurent Koscielny! Many question Koscielny`s ability at the top level and even I am not so convinced…yet! But we have to take our hat off to this young lad because I think without him and Manuel Almunia, Arsenal would have been hammered at least 5 love.
- Wenger being told his fortune by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca.
Barca on the other hand, were full value for money with their ‘free flowing’ style of play and high pressure tactic to regain possession. Many are saying this team could be the greatest ever of all time??? I’ve been a Gunner since I can remember, and, watching this game last night, left me with no choice but to accept inside that it was men against boys!
The movement off the ball and composure on it by the Barca super stars was simply to much for Arsenal to contain. They had players bombing forward from all positions with the front 3 being given the freedom by coach Pep, to roam the pitch and wreak havoc! Tactical discipline without the ball allowed them to regain possession a lot faster and everyone knows you can’t create chances, or score goals without possession of the ball.
- A despondent Cesc Fabregas.
Overall though, I think that not many can argue that on the night Barca were simply the better team and deserved of their 3-1 victory, allowing them to progress to the quarter final stage! Now we look to the other English club tonight to deliver what Arsenal could not. Spurs are looking for a historic victory against one of the competitions true giants AC Milan at The Lane! G’won you Spurs!
My money is on VDV to grab another goal tonight in what has been an inspirational first season in England.
Nicely done Calvi!!
waiting for the next one boi
Shot Kottler. got some great interviews lined up for the new site, can’t wait to get cracking!