UEFA Champions League Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona –Part 1
The tie of the Round-of-16 in the UEFA Champions league took place last night at the Emirates. It brought back memories of last season when Barcelona outclassed Arsenal over the two legs.
Arsenal came from behind to draw 2-2 at home last season before being tore apart by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38605’s goal in their 4-1 triumph.
However, it was a different story this time around as the Gunners fought back after going a goal down to win the first leg by two goals to one. Here are the player ratings of the home side.
ARSENAL
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Wojciech-Szczesny-c36998: 7.0
It’s a big ask to make your Champions League debut against a team like Barcelona. However, the youngster was very much up to the task and made some really vital saves. He couldn’t have done much to stop Villa’s goal.
Emmanuel Eboue: 6.5
The Ivorian put in a solid display to keep Villa and Iniesta in check. Although he did not venture forward as much, but his contribution was pretty decent.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Laurent-Koscielny-c21742: 7.5
It was top class performance from the Frenchman, who hardly put a foot wrong throughout the 90 minutes. Read the game brilliantly and apart from one occasion when he played Messi on-side, his performance was error-free.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Johan-Djourou-c18779: 6.5
Not as impressive as his partner and was often flat footed. However, he did a reasonable job considering the pressure they were under especially during the first period.
Gael Clichy: 6.0
Defensively he was all over the place in the first half, as Pedro and Alves found space countless number of times. He gets a slightly better rating thanks to his lovely chipped pass to Van Persie that led to the equaliser.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Samir-Nasri-c32360: 7.0
After a subdued first half performance, the Frenchman sprung into life in the second period. He looked threatening as he played both Walcott and van Persie into space. He showed composure in Arsenal’s winner as he took his time, looked up and brilliantly
spotted Arshavin who scored the winner.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alex-Song-c4804: 6.0
He did the dirty work but often made needless challenges. Did his job of breaking the play up but could find himself a touch lucky to survive the first half with just one booking.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jack-Wilshere-c17463: 8.5
On that performance Barcelona might look to sign the Englishman rather than his skipper, Fabregas. He didn’t look out of place or overawed by the occasion and more than matched the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets. He was Arsenal’s very own Xavi, as he
showed his range of passing and trickery from the middle of the park. A man of the match performance from the 19 year old.
Cesc Fabregas: 7.0
The skipper was not at his best, in the first half in particular, but his effort could not be questioned. He ran himself around and covered the most ground in the first period. Kept things simple and enjoyed a memorable night.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Theo-Walcott-c34873: 7.5
Was a constant threat down the right hand side as he gave http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maxwell-c25051 a torrid time. His direct running was a cause of concern. Substituted later on for Bendtner.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380: 7.0
After a frustrating evening the Dutchman smashed home the equaliser from an impossible angle. He improved as the game went on.
SUBSTITUTIONS
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andrei-Arshavin-c5771: 7.0
The Russian finished off a sublime move with a terrific finish. He made it look so easy which in fact was far from it.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nicklas-Bendtner-c27726: 6.0
His presence played a part in the winner as he dragged defenders with him. Couldn't have done more in his 15-minute spell.
Continued in part 2
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