The biggest match of the weekend was Arsenal vs Barcelona. For scrip writers this is like pure gold. The term "the beautiful football" could not be so right as it is to this match. Stylish skillful and if you love art this is the match to be at. The game didnt disappoint the build up and the atmosphere was like it was the Champions League Final.
Unlike a year ago the first half was quite an entertaining first half by both teams. Last year it was all Barcelona but it was more even this year. But at the start of the game looked really good on and off the ball. They were pushing the Arsenal players around the park. But the first chance went to the Arsenal when Fabregas did a lifting bowl over the the Barca defense for Van Persie to hit it straight at Valdes.
But you cant keep an Barcelona side down long because soon after that chance Messi was sent through by Villa and he was one on one and Szczesny kept himself big and did enough to stop the 40 goal man from scoring. Van Persie had another chance but couldn't get onto a Fabregas cross as the game grew end to end.
This played into Barcelona's hand as Messi then did an perfect pass for Villa who wouldnt miss an one on one situation. Arsenal were shaken and soon after the goal Szczesny was called upon again saving another great save to keep them only 1 goal ahead. Just before the half was up Messi had another header which this time it went in but was called offside. replays shown at half time might have said he might have been unlucky.
The second half started off much better for Arsenal. They had upped the tempo and Van Persie had another shot saved by Valdes and on the other end Villa had a penalty call rejected. Messi then had a big chance again one on one with the goalkeeper and again he had missed the goal as hit the side netting. This was an lucky day for Arsenal as Messi wasn't on fire in front of goal.
Arsenal then made 2 attacking chances in the second half as Arshavin came on for Song and Bendtner on for Walcott. This was an risk by manager but he knew he needed at least one goal and that came in from there main striker Van Persie on the left hand side of the penalty area he took a shot at the near post and dragged in an equalizer. It was poor for the goalkeeper to be beaten at the near post like that.
Arsenal suddenly had momentum swing there way and Barcelona looked rocky. For the first time we saw Barcelona making simple mistakes and 5 mins later the substitute showed his best form when Nasri run down the right wing passed in to Arshavin and he slotted in. He made the finish look easy but it had to be timed perfectly to get it into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.
Barcelona pushed for an equalizer at the end and might have got a penalty when the ball hit Arshavin's hand but Arsenal had won a well deserved, well fought victory. They will now go to the New Camp with great confidences. Barcelona will still be favorites because of the away goal and there record at the New Camp and what they did to Arsenal last year but Arsenal will go there with less fear and might cause a surprise or two down in Spain. Barcelona will be favorites but my money is still on Arsenal to go through.
No comments:
Post a Comment