This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
The big one. I don't even want to try putting predictions on this one. It's going to be a massive test. I would be surprised if it wasn't a great game. I really hope Cesc is fit to play.
Nineteen minutes into the match, and Barcelona have had possession for about 16. Almunia is the only Arsenal player on the pitch performing. The Barcelona team exist on another plane than most teams. Awesome stuff.
If it wasn't for Ibrahimovic's inability to perform at the highest level against English sides (10 games, 10 defeats, no goals), he could have scored 3 by now.
Bendtner is playing so far up the pitch, and so much on his own, he may as well be in another stadium altogether. Arsenal just can't get the ball and link up. Stats show Barca have had over 70% possession in the first 30 mins, which is incredible.
The only stat that really matters though is 0-0, and that will suit Arsenal.
Somebody needs to print this out and hand it to Ibrahimovic at half time, because he doesn't appear to know where it is as he drags another chance wide from a good position.
Gallas now injured, and Fabregas doesn't look fully with it either. Arsenal could use a more demonstrative captain at present. Arsenal took a big gamble starting with both, and the loss of Arshavin is already hurting.
Fabregas booked for a perfectly reasonable challenge that took the ball, thanks to a bit of connivery from Busquets. He'll miss the trip to the Nou Camp which will be a crushing blow to him.
Ibrahimovic took the free kick, and almost smashed it out of the stadium. He is by far the poorest player for Barcelona tonight.
It is a testament to Almunia's early saves that the score at half-time is 0-0, and only serves to highlight Zlatan Ibrahimovic's profligacy up front for Barca.
Wenger will have one hell of a time picking his players up, with the injuries that have so far hit his side.
Barca has come out the block in a frightening display of football mastery. We're struggling to contain them and fashion out chances but we're still in it. With a half-fit (and now demoralized due to the yellow) Fabregas and injured players in Gallas and Arshavin which are both massive players for us and it obviously doesn't look too good.
Almunia has been a beast today or it would have been all over in the first 15 minutes. Don't count us out for another 45 though.
Looks like Pep Guardiola printed that pic out and passed it to Ibrahimovic. 20 seconds into the second half and he FINALLY puts a chance away. Arsenal 0, Barcelona 1.