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- UEFA Champions League: Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Barcelona, 2-1
(Arsenal Featured Columnist) on February 17, 2011
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Arsenal 2 (van Persie 78, Arshavin 83), FC Barcelona 1 (Villa 26)
In the glamour showdown of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, Arsenal and Barcelona, two of the most entertaining, attacking giants of world football, went head-to-head in the first leg at the Emirates.
The Gunners prevailed over the Spanish kings, snaring a come-from-behind 2-1 win to grant the North London giants their first win against Barcelona.
In a highly anticipated encounter that was destined for high-paced football of the highest calibre, critics envisioned a routine win for Barcelona, who trounced the Gunners last season in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, eventually winning on aggregate, 6-3.
However, it was a completely different Arsenal outfit, a stronger defence, more experienced young guns and, of course, more spirit and desire to diminish their notorious five-year trophy drought.
Despite Barcelona boasting the weight of possession, it was Arsene Wenger's men who had the first opportunity to strike. Quick feet from Theo Walcott saw the Englishman evade a handful of defenders before he laid it off to Cesc Fabregas.
It was a huge match for Fabregas, as the Spaniard gained his footballing exploits and traits at the Barcelona youth academy and has been publicly chased by the Spanish giants ever since.
However, Fabregas showed no signs of nerves or being over-awed, as the Arsenal captain played a delicate chip to striker Robin van Persie, who found himself one on one with Barcelona shot stopper Victor Valdes. Alas, the in-form Dutchman was only able to blast his effort straight at the Spanish keeper.
Barcelona's possession dominance began to tell, and Argentine dynamo Lionel Messi, who scored four goals in last season's second leg encounter, wasted a golden opportunity to open the scoring by slicing his effort just wide.
The deadlock was finally broken just before the half-hour match when Messi found fellow forward David Villa with a delicious through ball that cut the Arsenal back line in two, and Villa had no hesitation of calmly slotting home.
The goal failed to pierce Arsenal's spirit or confidence. Despite many predicting Barcelona would stampede through the Arsenal defence, the Gunners were well in the game, and Jack Wilshere showed great composure on the counterattack to find van Persie, who once again hooked his effort.
The second half continued to portray Barcelona's possession dominance, but the Gunners managed to contain the likes of Messi and Villa as the clock began to grow closer to a close.
Then just as the game looked to be heading for a Barcelona win, Gael Clichy found van Persie on the edge of the box, and the Dutchman then turned and played a powerful shot from an impossible angle. Somehow the ball squeezed through the post and Valdes to give Arsenal the equalizer.
Five minutes later French dynamo Samir Nasri broke away before playing a superb low cross into the middle of the box, which found Andrei Arshavin, who had no difficulty converting and giving Arsenal a historic victory.
Player Ratings
Wojciech Szczesny: 7.5
The Polish youngster could not have asked for a tougher European debut, but Szczesny was superb, dealing with the constant torment of the Barcelona attack and making some impressive saves.
Emmanuel Eboue: 6.5
Fans were sceptical over Eboue's presence, but the Ivorian was solid in defence, refusing to be over-awed by the occasion. He made some strong tackles and contributed well in attack, too.
Johan Djourou: 6.5
Not quite as impressive as his central partner, but the imposing Swiss prevailed when it mattered, conjuring up some vital challenges despite the odd shaky moment.
Laurent Koscielny: 8.5
A superb outing from the Frenchman, who continued his rich vein of form. Considering two seasons ago Koscielny was playing in the French second division, the fact he is now thwarting the likes of Lionel Messi, Pedro and David Villa is surreal. He made a number of superb interceptions and single-handedly proved why Wenger signed him.
Gael Clichy: 6
The Frenchman was at times wrong-footed and caught in the wrong position but overall enjoyed a solid defensive performance and capped the night off with a sublime pass to assist van Persie.
Alexandre Song: 5.5
The Cameroon midfielder was forced to play majority of his cameo in a restricted fashion after an early booking, but Song failed to lose spirit despite making some rash fouls. Rightly substituted.
Jack Wilshere: 8.5
The English international is 19 and was playing the biggest game of his Arsenal career yet showed the composure, majority and skill of his counter parts in Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Wilshere was the catalyst in Arsenal's attacking prowess, boasting some sublime passes and marauding runs.
Cesc Fabregas: 6.5
A little tentative at times was the captain but rallied when Arsenal required his services. Played a superb chip to van Persie and was always threatening near the goal alongside the pass that set up Nasri's run who assisted van Persie.
Samir Nasri: 6.5
The French dynamo had returned from injury and was never to be at his best for the encounter but in glimpses was a dangerous wide asset and played the all-important ball to set up Arshavin for the winner.
Theo Walcott: 6.5
The English starlet's speed was always useful, especially down the right, and he showed impressive feet at times but failed to impose himself as much as recent weeks have suggested.
Robin van Persie: 7.5
The Dutchman missed numerous chances, but his goal was of the highest calibre, and it rejuvenated the Gunners. Worked hard too, which benefited Arsenal's attacking prowess.
Substitutes
Andrei Arshavin: 7
The Russian dynamo produced what was required of him by coming on as an impact substitution and scoring the winner.
Nicklas Bendtner: 6
A short cameo for the imposing Dane, who went close only to produce a good save from Victor Valdes.
Arsenal 2-1 Barca: Player Ratings From Champs League Shocker
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