Richard MichaelWill Barcelona Really Stop Arsenal?
February 22nd 2011 11:33
:
Sport Wonders
Welcome all our expectations were dashed a fourth night ago when Arsenal beat Barca. But the only way I see Barcelona coming back into the competition is as follows; Read on...
In truth, there's only one way Barca can defeat Arsenal, and that's because there's only one way Barca play: possession, attacking football. Pep Guardiola does not change his approach, playing system, formation, or tactics for any opponent. What he does change, though, is his specific instructions to his superstars during the game. More of a conductor than a coach, Guardiola will bark orders to his players from the touchline to accommodate Arsenal's minute-by-minute strategy
* Arsenal will be deprived of the ball, of that there is no doubt even before the two teams head for the tactical drawing board. But while Barca are sometimes too reluctant to play route-one football, Arsene Wenger's men have no problems adopting that approach, as evidenced by the fact that they scored two of their three goals against the Catalans over two legs last season through speedy counter-attacks.
Arsenal are not the most physical side in the Premier League, but almost any team in football today is more physical than Barcelona. The Gunners can get rough and mix it up with the "big boys" if they want to, and if Wenger decides to throw a curveball and deviate from his usual one-touch football and get physical, it could be the ace card that could stun the Blaugrana.
* With in-form Samir Nasri doubtful for the clash due to injury, Arsene Wenger will rely heavily on Cesc Fabregas to provide the attacking arsenal. The captain didn't have the best of games in last season's first leg clash, although he was undoubtedly the hero of the night for the home fans when he scored from the spot - with a broken leg - to level the tie and keep his side in the fight. Cesc will be eager to impress against a team who have been trying to lure him away from the Emirates, but it's the red-hot Van Persie that Barca should be worried about. The Dutchman has scored nine goals in his last five Premier League games and with defensive stalwart Carles Puyol struggling to recover in time after injury, Barcelona's backline could be easily exposed.
* Barca could've embarrassingly routed Arsenal at the Emirates last season. But having taken a two-goal lead, the Catalans proceeded to take their foot off the gas and grow complacent, allowing speed demon Theo Walcott to spark a comeback and salvage the first leg clash in a 2-2 draw. First, a sloppy pass by Sergio Busquets, then some slack defending which prompted Carles Puyol to clatter into Cesc Fabregas inside the box, gave the Gunners a free get-out-of-jail card, albeit only temporarily in the end.
So far this season, Barca have shown no signs of easing off during a game when they are in front, spanking opponents right, left and centre with goals galore. But Saturday's surprise 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon demonstrated that a lackadaisical approach can be costly for the Blaugrana.
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Well I think Barcelona should get their acts right as I strongly feel that Arsenal is ready ready for a showdown at Camp Nou. What is your take on these, post your comments below.
Barca Celebrate thier goal agiant Arsenal.
* Arsenal will be deprived of the ball, of that there is no doubt even before the two teams head for the tactical drawing board. But while Barca are sometimes too reluctant to play route-one football, Arsene Wenger's men have no problems adopting that approach, as evidenced by the fact that they scored two of their three goals against the Catalans over two legs last season through speedy counter-attacks.
Arsenal are not the most physical side in the Premier League, but almost any team in football today is more physical than Barcelona. The Gunners can get rough and mix it up with the "big boys" if they want to, and if Wenger decides to throw a curveball and deviate from his usual one-touch football and get physical, it could be the ace card that could stun the Blaugrana.
* With in-form Samir Nasri doubtful for the clash due to injury, Arsene Wenger will rely heavily on Cesc Fabregas to provide the attacking arsenal. The captain didn't have the best of games in last season's first leg clash, although he was undoubtedly the hero of the night for the home fans when he scored from the spot - with a broken leg - to level the tie and keep his side in the fight. Cesc will be eager to impress against a team who have been trying to lure him away from the Emirates, but it's the red-hot Van Persie that Barca should be worried about. The Dutchman has scored nine goals in his last five Premier League games and with defensive stalwart Carles Puyol struggling to recover in time after injury, Barcelona's backline could be easily exposed.
* Barca could've embarrassingly routed Arsenal at the Emirates last season. But having taken a two-goal lead, the Catalans proceeded to take their foot off the gas and grow complacent, allowing speed demon Theo Walcott to spark a comeback and salvage the first leg clash in a 2-2 draw. First, a sloppy pass by Sergio Busquets, then some slack defending which prompted Carles Puyol to clatter into Cesc Fabregas inside the box, gave the Gunners a free get-out-of-jail card, albeit only temporarily in the end.
So far this season, Barca have shown no signs of easing off during a game when they are in front, spanking opponents right, left and centre with goals galore. But Saturday's surprise 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon demonstrated that a lackadaisical approach can be costly for the Blaugrana.
Well I think Barcelona should get their acts right as I strongly feel that Arsenal is ready ready for a showdown at Camp Nou. What is your take on these, post your comments below.
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