UEFA Champions League Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona –Part 2
In part two we look at how the Barcelona players fared in the thrilling encounter. They went into this game without their club captain and defensive stalwart, Carlos Puyol. Stepping in for him was Eric Abidal.
Here are the player ratings for Barcelona F.C.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38605
Victor Valdes: 6.0
He made one terrific save early on from a close range volley from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380. He was otherwise untroubled as Arsenal failed to test the Spaniard often enough. However, he left his near post open as Persie smashed through the little gap for the
equaliser.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Dani-Alves-c9869: 6.5
The Brazilian made plenty of forward runs particularly in the first half. He was less influential in the second but never stopped running. A slightly disappointing night according to his high standards.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Pique: 6.5
A reasonable night for the Spanish centre back, as he failed to make his usual forward forays. However, he was as strong as ever at the back but let van Persie off the hook a few times.
Eric Abidal: 6.5
It was a strong performance from the Frenchman who was asked to fill the big boots of his club captain, Puyol. However, he did not disappoint and made an important clearance when he headed the Fabregas cross away, which was going straight to van Persie,
who would have had an open goal to score.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maxwell-c25051: 5.5
It was a disappointing night for the left back who failed to provide the width on the left side. He also failed to keep a lid on the pacy Walcott.
Pedro: 6.5
He struggled to get into the game at times but looked dangerous on the ball. He didn’t do anything really fancy but was neat in possession. He produced a good save from Szczesny before the end of the first half.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Busquets-c33048: 7.0
He did his job brilliantly with his terrific first touch and passing ability. However, he was caught out on the break that led to Arsenal’s second goal. Otherwise it was another pretty assured display from the world cup winner.
Xavi: 7.5
Does anything really affect this guy? He just keeps on producing top displays one after another. It didn’t really matter how his team-mates around him were playing, he kept on pinging balls all over the pitch at his own will. However, he failed to
find the killer ball that he so often does to set up clear cut chances for his team-mates.
Andres Iniesta: 6.5
He kept on finding those little pockets of empty spaces and his touch and awareness never really deserted him. However, he too failed to make a telling impact on the game. Apart from one beautiful through ball for Messi, which the Argentine uncharacteristically
smashed wide, Iniesta didn’t really stamp his authority on the game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Villa-c10629: 7.0
Took his goal brilliantly and proved yet again why he is worth every penny of the £35 million Barcelona paid for him. He along with Messi was a constant threat to Arsenal’s rearguard.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lionel-Messi-c22296: 7.5
He again showed the world why he is touted as the best player in the world. His dribbling skills were on display again and he ran at Arsenal with such ease. However, he was guilty of missing two chances which on another night he would have taken. Apart
from that he was unstoppable at times and picked out Villa beautifully at the end of another mesmerising run; yet another assist from the little magician.
SUBSTITUTIONS
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Seydou-Keita-c33177: 6.0
Came on for Villa as they tried to maintain their advantage.
Adriano: N/A
He was a late substitute and he failed to make much of an impact.
Tags: