Arsenal v Barcelona

Before the game there was the best atmosphere I think I have seen at the Emirates stadium. Every fan had either a red or white flag and was waving it, music was going loud and there were loud chants. So would the game live up to expectation?

First Half Analysis

Great opening to the match both teams having really good opportunities to score in the first 15 minutes. Arsenal had the best chance with Theo Walcott dancing the ball around the Barcelona penalty area passed short to Fabregas who then conjured a cheeky little chip through to Van Persie who had his shot saved. Barcelona though had been testing Arsenal's defence and offside trap in the opening and in the 26th minute this was how they scored. A Messi through ball went through to Villa who was onside and he put the ball between the legs of the goalkeeper to score the opener. There have been a few booking during the half aswell, most notably was Alex Song's as he kept giving away little fouls even after his booking, he needs to be careful.

Second Half

Arsenal came out realising what they had to do. Straight away they were stopping Barcelona's attacks and looking much more threatening at the other end too. Eventually one of Arsenal's attacks paid off, a brilliant chip through ball by Clichy to Van Persie lead to a volley at a really tight angle beating Valdes. He should not have let that in! This built up real momentum and the crowd were really behind their team. Not long after we then had the second goal for Arsenal scored by the substitute Andrey Arshavin after a great pass back to him from Nasri. Now they were hungry looking for more, though still having to keep alert at the back as Barcelona would take advantage of any mistake. However Arsenal held out and based on their second half performance deserved to. Koscielny made some crucial tackles and had a top game showing himself as a leading figure in the backline for Arsenal. Jack Wilshire again proved his qualities at running with the ball and distributing it neatly.

Summary

Barcelona played some outstanding football at time and could have got more goals to show for it in the first half. However Arsenal came back and deserved the victory showing real character and maturity in their young squad. I have often said the Emirates can be a library in terms of how quiet it can get, but not today. The fans were really behind their team and in great voice tonight. Great game to watch and I hope for more of the same in the return leg!

Man of the match: Koscielny, his great performance in defence kept Arsenal in the game and lead to lots of Arsenals chances. Great performance to a man who has never looked too convincing before this match. Wilshire came narrowly second with his great game aswell.