Arshavin finished off a swift Arsenal move for the winner
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at the Emirates
Arsenal struck twice in five minutes late on as they staged a stirring comeback to beat Champions League favourites Barcelona on a night to savour at the Emirates.
Barcelona looked on course to take a precious lead into the second leg of this last 16 clash at the Nou Camp as they protected the first-half advantage given to them by David Villa.
The Catalans wasted chances to strengthen their position, with Lionel Messi an unlikely culprit, leaving the door open for the Gunners to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive in spectacular fashion.
Robin van Persie equalised 12 minutes from time with a shot that somehow eluded Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes at his near post before substitute Andrey Arshavin sent Arsenal's fans into ecstasy with a crisp finish that gives them a slender lead to take to Spain.
PHIL McNULTY'S BLOG It is stretching reality to breaking point to suggest Arsenal were the better side against Barcelona, far from it, but this was such a show of moral and physical courage from the Gunners that few would begrudge them their win |
The Premier League outfit were attempting to follow in the footsteps of arch-rivals Tottenham after their magnificent win against AC Milan in the San Siro on Tuesday - and they were not to be outdone as they made it a memorable 24 hours for north London in Champions League combat.
Arsene Wenger's side were intent on proving a point after losing 6-3 to Barcelona over two legs at the quarter-final stage last season and they achieved their objective without sacrificing their long-held principles.
For all the talk of Arsenal attempting to make it a physical confrontation with the lavishly gifted Barca stars, the Gunners continued to play their trademark passing game and reaped a rich dividend in a frantic finale.
Barcelona, ironically, looked in control as the game entered its final phase, but once Van Persie levelled the mood inside the Emirates helped sweep Arsenal to victory.
Barca coach Pep Guardiola will still be confident his side can overturn a narrow deficit in the return, but the Gunners now have something to protect and will travel with the confidence this triumph will have given them.
Jack Wilshere was the symbol of Arsenal's development since the teams last met with a performance of composure that made a nonsense of his tender teenage years. Meanwhile Arsenal's resilience and dogged determination as Barcelona dominated possession for lengthy spells met with Wenger's approval.
A proud night for Arsenal - Wenger
Wenger described it as "a special night" - and Arsenal's manager must take great credit for a relentlessly positive attitude on and off the pitch, introducing Arshavin for Alex Song and Nicklas Bendtner for Theo Walcott even though his side were behind.
The Gunners boss insisted the La Liga leaders remain favourites to progress but Arsenal will feel they have applied pressure to Barcelona as they carry a weight of expectation into the second leg.
Arsenal were determined to guard against the type of chasing they suffered in the opening half at the Emirates when the sides met last season and this time around they more than held their own against the Catalan artists.
Samir Nasri's availability after a hamstring injury provided a real bonus for the Gunners and they started with admirable attacking intent. A wonderful moment of invention from Cesc Fabregas, lifting the ball over the Barca defence, forged an early opening for Van Persie but keeper Valdes was alert and made a crucial block.
Barcelona's response was the lacerating passage of play that has become their trademark. Villa sent Messi clear, but the little Argentine over-elaborated with a routine finish and not only guided his effort over Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny but wide of the far post.
It was a moment that was met with an audible gasp of relief around the Emirates - but it was the clearest indication yet that Barcelona were finding their feet after the intensity of Arsenal's start.
Andres Iniesta almost put Villa in on goal before Messi was again wasteful with another chance, tamely chipping into the hands of Szczesny despite having the time and space he usually relishes.
As the game swung from end to end it needed a desperate headed clearance from Eric Abidal as Van Persie closed in on Fabregas' cross, but the Barca pressure was mounting and the reward came after 26 minutes.
Guardiola promises all-out attack at Nou Camp
Messi, inevitably, was the creator with a pass that cut Arsenal open, leaving the lethal Villa to stride forward and score with typical expertise.
As Wenger's side struggled to recover Szczesny did well to block Pedro at his near post before the Gunners broke the Barcelona stranglehold and Van Persie should have done better than to fire wildly off target when well placed.
Messi had the ball in the net just before half-time but he was adjudged offside, and both sides traded blows again as the second period unfolded, Barcelona appealing in vain for a penalty as Villa collided with Laurent Koscielny and Van Persie again testing Valdes from the edge of the area.
Lionel Messi suffered a frustrating night in north London
Messi had mixed brilliance with some uncharacteristic profligacy in front of goal. He should have extended Barca's lead when he was released inside the area after 67 minutes but shot into the side netting.
Arsenal stuck to their task, despite Barcelona enjoying prolonged periods of possession, and they drew level with 12 minutes left. Van Persie's low shot from an acute angle carried pace and power, but Valdes was desperately at fault as he stood motionless as the Netherlands striker's effort flew in at his near post.
Barcelona were suddenly rocking and Wenger's team turned the tie on its head and, roared on by feverish backing on a thunderous night, scored the winner when Arshavin arrived on the end of Nasri's right-flank cross to steer a precise finish past Valdes.
Arshavin showed the other side of his game when a moment of defensive vulnerability almost let in Dani Alves in stoppage time - but Arsenal survived to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Live text and stats
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Champions League
Home Team | Score | Away Team | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Arsenal | 2-1 | Barcelona | FT |
(HT 0-1) | |||
|
|
Arsenal
- 53Szczesny
- 06Koscielny
- 20Djourou
- 22Clichy
- 27Eboue
- 04Fabregas
- 08Nasri yellow card
- 14Walcott (Bendtner 77)
- 17A Song yellow card (Arshavin 68 yellow card)
- 19Wilshere
- 10Van Persie yellow card
Substitutes
- 01Almunia,
- 18Squillaci,
- 28Gibbs,
- 07Rosicky,
- 15Denilson,
- 23Arshavin,
- 52Bendtner
Barcelona
- 01Valdes
- 02Daniel
- 03Pique yellow card
- 19Maxwell
- 22Abidal
- 06Xavi
- 08Iniesta yellow card (Adriano Correia 89)
- 16Busquets
- 07Villa (Keita 68)
- 10Messi
- 17Pedrito
Substitutes
- 13Pinto,
- 18Milito,
- 21Adriano Correia,
- 14Mascherano,
- 15Keita,
- 20Afellay,
- 09Bojan
Ref:RizzoliAtt:59,927
ARSENAL
BARCELONA
Possession
- Arsenal 47%
- Barcelona 53%
Attempts on target
- Arsenal 8
- Barcelona 7
Attempts off target
- Arsenal 3
- Barcelona 3
Corners
- Arsenal 4
- Barcelona 1
Fouls
- Arsenal 16
- Barcelona 12
- Final Result
- Full Time
- 90:00+2:42 The final whistle goes and the game is over.
- 90:00+2:20 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
- 90:00+1:58 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 90:00+1:36 Shot by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), blocked by Johan Djourou (Arsenal).
- 90:00+1:20 Attacking throw-in by Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona).
- 89:18 Attacking throw-in by Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona).
- 88:16 Lionel Messi (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
- 88:16 Substitution Barcelona substitution: Andres Iniesta replaced by Claro Adriano Correia (tactical).
- 87:53 Shot by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 87:14 Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 86:07 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) to far post, clearance by Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona).
- 85:29 Foul by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) on Seydou Keita (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Eric Abidal (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 85:29 Booking Robin van Persie (Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour.
- 84:24 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 83:30 Booking Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour.
- 82:43 Assist (pass) by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) from right side of penalty area.
- 82:43 GOAL - Andrey Arshavin:Arsenal 2 - 1 Barcelona Goal by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) right-footed (bottom-right of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona.
- 81:13 Foul by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) on Seydou Keita (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Eric Abidal (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 80:04 Foul by Rodriguez Pedro (Barcelona) on Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) from left wing, passed.
- 79:29 Attacking throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 79:02 Foul by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona) on Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 77:55 Assist (pass) by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) from left wing.
- 77:55 GOAL - Robin van Persie:Arsenal 1 - 1 Barcelona Goal by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from left side of penalty area (12 yards).Arsenal 1-1 Barcelona.
- 77:30 Foul by Seydou Keita (Barcelona) on Samir Nasri (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
- 76:47 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) to far post, save (caught) by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 76:07 Substitution Arsenal substitution: Theo Walcott replaced by Nicklas Bendtner (tactical).
- 75:53 Attacking throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 75:09 Rodriguez Pedro (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken left-footed by Johan Djourou (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
- 73:41 Robin van Persie (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Eric Abidal (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 72:31 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 71:44 Foul by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) on Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal). Free kick taken left-footed by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 71:01 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 70:18 Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 69:51 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
- 69:40 Defending throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 67:58 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 67:37 Substitution Arsenal substitution: Alex Song replaced by Andrey Arshavin (tactical).
- 67:24 Substitution Barcelona substitution: David Villa replaced by Seydou Keita (tactical).
- 67:09 Shot by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) left-footed from left side of penalty area (6 yards), missed left.
- 66:54 Shot by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) drilled left-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Johan Djourou (Arsenal).
- 65:50 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona) to near post, resulting in open play.
- 64:40 Shot by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 63:03 Foul by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) on Eric Abidal (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona) from left wing, passed.
- 62:31 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 61:53 Attacking throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 61:06 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) to centre, resulting in ball out of play.
- 60:31 Foul by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona) on Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play. Attacking throw-in by Samir Nasri (Arsenal).
- 59:49 Foul by Johan Djourou (Arsenal) on David Villa (Barcelona). Free kick taken left-footed by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) from left channel, passed.
- 58:10 Foul by Gerard Pique (Barcelona) on Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal). Free kick crossed right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) from left channel, save (caught) by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 58:10 Booking Gerard Pique (Barcelona) booked for unsporting behaviour.
- 57:46 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
- 57:07 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) to centre, clearance by Sergio Busquets (Barcelona).
- 55:48 Shot by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) curled left-footed from right channel (25 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 54:16 Defending throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 52:59 Foul by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) on da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona) from right wing, passed.
- Correction - 52:24 The ball is delivered by Scherer Andrade Maxwell, Hernandez Xavi has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
- 52:24 Cross by Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona), shot by Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona) volleyed right-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 51:32 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 47:48 Foul by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) on Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Gerard Pique (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 46:52 Shot by Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) volleyed left-footed from right channel (18 yards), save (caught) by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 46:17 Shot by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Eric Abidal (Barcelona).
- 45:32 Robin van Persie (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Victor Valdes (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 45:11 Foul by David Villa (Barcelona) on Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 45:01 The second half has started.
- Half Time
- 45:00+0:03 The referee calls an end to the first half.
- 44:35 Foul by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) on Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) from right wing, passed.
- 43:36 Attacking throw-in by Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona).
- 43:03 Cross by Samir Nasri (Arsenal), header by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 42:35 David Villa (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Johan Djourou (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 42:04 Samir Nasri (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Victor Valdes (Barcelona) from own half, resulting in open play.
- 41:49 Shot by Theo Walcott (Arsenal) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona).
- 40:49 Attacking throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 40:04 Cross by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal), resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 39:12 Rodriguez Pedro (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 38:44 Foul by Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) on Rodriguez Pedro (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 37:50 Defending throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 37:14 Shot by Rodriguez Pedro (Barcelona) right-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), save (parried) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal). Lionel Messi (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Johan Djourou (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 36:15 Foul by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) on Andres Iniesta (Barcelona). Free kick taken left-footed by Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) from left channel, passed.
- 34:26 Foul by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) on Eric Abidal (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Eric Abidal (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 34:13 Shot by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) drilled right-footed from right channel (20 yards), blocked by Gerard Pique (Barcelona).
- 33:13 Foul by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona) on Samir Nasri (Arsenal). Free kick taken left-footed by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) from left wing, passed.
- 32:03 Lionel Messi (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
- 30:03 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Lionel Messi (Barcelona). Free kick taken left-footed by Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 29:02 Shot by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) drilled left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 29:02 Booking Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) booked for unsporting behaviour.
- 28:16 Shot by Rodriguez Pedro (Barcelona) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), save (blocked) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 27:30 Foul by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) on da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona). Free kick taken left-footed by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) from right wing, passed.
- 27:30 Booking Samir Nasri (Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour.
- 26:54 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Sergio Busquets (Barcelona). Free kick taken left-footed by Eric Abidal (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 25:40 Assist (pass) by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) from right channel.
- 25:40 GOAL - David Villa:Arsenal 0 - 1 Barcelona Goal by David Villa (Barcelona) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Arsenal 0-1 Barcelona.
- 25:12 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Sergio Busquets (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Sergio Busquets (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 24:58 Defending throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 23:42 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Eric Abidal (Barcelona) from own half, passed.
- 23:15 Foul by Eric Abidal (Barcelona) on Robin van Persie (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 22:39 Shot by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (caught) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 22:15 Cross by David Villa (Barcelona), resulting in ball out of play. Defending throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 20:50 Defending throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 19:49 David Villa (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
- 19:32 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 18:53 Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 17:33 Defending throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 15:42 Defending throw-in by Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona).
- 15:18 Defending throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 14:29 Shot by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) left-footed from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 13:06 Foul by Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) on Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal) from right wing, passed.
- 11:33 Scherer Andrade Maxwell (Barcelona) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Johan Djourou (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
- 10:53 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 10:03 Attacking throw-in by da Silva Dani Alves (Barcelona).
- 8:48 Defending throw-in by Alex Song (Arsenal).
- 8:26 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
- 8:03 Goal kick taken long by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 7:44 Goal kick taken long by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 6:54 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
- 6:09 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Lionel Messi (Barcelona). Free kick taken right-footed by Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona) from left channel, passed.
- 6:09 Booking Alex Song (Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour.
- 5:39 Shot by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) volleyed left-footed from left side of penalty area (6 yards), brilliant save (blocked) by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 4:27 Goal kick taken short by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 2:59 Foul by David Villa (Barcelona) on Robin van Persie (Arsenal). Free kick crossed right-footed by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) from left wing, save (caught) by Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
- 2:35 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
- 2:09 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
- 1:20 Defending throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 0:44 Foul by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) on Hernandez Xavi (Barcelona). Free kick taken left-footed by Lionel Messi (Barcelona) from left channel, passed.
- 0:25 Defending throw-in by Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal).
- 0:00 The match gets underway.
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Champions League results
16 Feb 2011 23:59 UK
- Arsenal2-1BarcelonaFT
- Roma2-3Shakhtar DonetskFT
see also
We can finish off Barca - Wenger
17 Feb 11|Arsenal
Wednesday football as it happened
16 Feb 11|Football
Wednesday's football photos
16 Feb 11|Football
The house that built Barca
15 Feb 11|Europe
Arsenal drawn against Barcelona
17 Dec 10|Europe
Arsenal reject Barca Fabregas bid
02 Jun 10|Arsenal
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