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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2011/03/07/2383191/five-ways-barcelona-can-come-back-to-beat-arsenal wrote:Five ways Barcelona can come back to beat Arsenal
How the La Liga giants can progress to next round
By KS Leong
7 Mar 2011 13:40:00
1. Defend from the front
For a side like Barcelona, attack is always the best form of defence. But against Arsenal on Tuesday, they really do have to keep a tight ship at the back, especially without the injured Carles Puyol and the suspended Gerard Pique. Although Barca need to score, avoiding going any further behind on aggregate has to be a priority.
Ironically, both centre-backs were also absent in last year's second leg clash at the Camp Nou, and it didn't bother the Catalans much as they romped to a 4-1 win. But this season, the Barca back line has looked very fragile without Puyol; Gabriel Milito is struggling for form, while Rafa Marquez is no longer at the club. Eric Abidal and Sergio Busquets will most likely be made into makeshift centre-backs, and with such an unfamiliar partnership, the likes of Dani Alves, Maxwell and Javier Mascherano must help cover in defence, while Lionel Messi, Pedro and David Villa must defend from the front.
2. Use Lionel Messi as bait
In the first leg clash at the Emirates, Lionel Messi was shut out brilliantly by Laurent Koscielny. Although the Argentine still looked a handful with his blistering runs, he was restricted to just two shots on goal.
Arsenal will attempt to put the shackles on Leo again, especially after being taught a lesson in Catalunya last year. If Messi finds himself nullified and starved of chances, he has to either use his trickery to lure the Gunners' defenders away from the box to create space for his team-mates; or do the exact opposite and make himself a nuisance inside the box to draw fouls.
3. Andres Iniesta, David Villa & Pedro must deliver
Pedro was in stunning form in January, scoring eight goals in all eight competitive games during that month. And David Villa responded with a fine run of his own in February, netting in four consecutive games including the priceless away goal at the Emirates. Neither player has managed to score in their last two league games, and they have to put an end to that run on Tuesday against Arsenal.
Another key figure who needs to lift the side is Andres Iniesta. The versatile attacking midfielder was in breathtaking form at the end of 2010, but so far in the new year, although he remains a consistently brilliant performer, he hasn't been making enough direct contributions, such as scoring goals and providing assists. He has only three goals in 2011, and no assists.
4. Close down Jack Wilshere
While all the attention in the first leg was on Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie, young Jack Wilshere took advantage of his low profile to sting Barcelona. The 19-year-old midfielder was frequently given space to roam forward and spread the attacking play as he pleased. He wasn't the most flamboyant of all the stars who were on display that night, but his simple, effective approach was what stretched Barca's back line.
5. Be quick & be ruthless
It's always the advice given to Barca when they struggle to break down opponents. Their possession football may be mesmerising and hypnotic, but it doesn't always work against tough, disciplined defences.
Arsenal may not fall into that category, but in the first leg, they made their presence felt at the back to stifle Pep Guardiola's performers. In the return leg, Barcelona have to play slick quick-passing, one-touch football rather than the patient build-up. And more importantly, when they do carve open the Gunners rearguard, they have to be lethal in front of goal and convert their chances, whatever fashion they may be instead of attempting to walk the ball over the line every time.
cincuanta wrote:I waiting to see the team that Wenger picks. He must have one eye on the EPL trophy also seeing how Man Utd dropping points. With that in mind does he risk Fabregas and Van Persie from the start? Cuz if he lose this match and his top two players also due to re-injury he could kiss the EPL title goodbye too.
pioneer wrote:Like you really wha go home quick
Come on Arsenal, win when it matters.
mitch wrote:lol they couldnt even beat Sunderland to come within 1 pt. of Man. Utd. and still have a game in hand
win when it matters my ass
idlemind wrote:cw2, mitch was throwing that for pio.
most of us here done realise you respectfully troll, unlike pio....
pioneer wrote:good way to take infront
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