Sometimes you know that the past is so overwhelming that you might be the best side in the world and yet you cant get that loss out of your head. Ask me, I am a gunner who faces that past. I still remember that my team was overpowered in the second leg by a maestro named ‘Messi.’
But then, is this actually the same Arsenal side that faced Barcelona last year? The team that started in the 2-2 draw was Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Diaby, Arshavin and Bendtner. Only six of those can start on Wednesday and the actual figure may be more like four.
Meanwhile the bench at the Nou Camp included Eastmond, Merida, Traore, Eduardo and a semi-fit Sol Campbell while the out-of-favour Mikael Silvestre was left to face Messi (highlight Mikael Silvestre). The little maestro had been quiet at Emirates but transformed like a phoenix at the Nou Camp and, in all honesty, toyed with an injury-ravaged Arsenal in the second half which I would say was the weakest side that faced them till date.
The problem with Arsenal last year was that they depended on one man only- Cese Fabregas. I still remember how Arsenal missed his goal scoring capabilities and the only striker available was Niklas Bendtner (highly overrated by Wegner). This year seems a bit different. You start with Jack Wilshere who has been a revelation following his loan spell at Bolton, you have the under-rated Alex Song who has been like a rock for us this season, you have Nasri who may or may not play but if he does can give the toughest of defenders nightmares. Add to it its Theo Walcott who has improved from being just a Fast Boy to a highly rated defender. Cese Fabregas is by far the best and might be only second best to Xavi while Robin Van Persie is in the goal scoring form of his life. The dark horses however remains to be in the form of two people: Koscielny and Wojech Szezesny who have been wonderful in their debut seasons this year. Moreover finally Wenger has found a team that has co-ordination and consistency to reach to the top.
I wouldn’t take anything away from Barcelona. The reason why any fan would love to see them is their discipline in passing and their attacking ability. As Mourinho has stated, ‘these guys can play blindfold and still manage a comfortable win’. Barcelona has everything by its side and yet being over-hyped can be their biggest downfall. Their defense is still the weakest and Arsenal with their first team can expose them the moment they get attacking football on their side.
Barcelona may be the overwhelming favorites but then in football, anything can happen.
-Sagar Karande
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