Arsenalist

Outclassed by a team that is simply better than us. Playing a high line killed us two of the goals we conceded were a direct result of that. The injuries were obviously an issue with Gallas, Fabregas, Van Persie and Song out, but it’s not like the manager didn’t know that he was thin on strikers and defenders in January. It’s naive to think that we had a realistic chance tonight. As a supporter you always hope for your team to pull through, but fact is that Barcelona are ridiculously efficient with the ball whereas we tend to waste too many opportunities. There were a few instances tonight where Clichy, Bendtner and Rosicky made a mess of things when a team like Barceona, in the same situation, would’ve made a goalie work.

The inability of the midfield to hold the ball, string passes together and build some confidence in themselves while building frustration for Barcelona was mandatory and it didn’t happen. Diaby, Denilson and Rosicky had poor games and couldn’t keep the ball when under pressure from Barcelona’s aggressive tactics. Other than having a difference maker like Messi, that’s the main difference between these two teams – they have the grit to get the job done when they need to and we are lacking in that area.

Eduardo looks like a shadow of his former self and Bendtner, as good as he is in the air, is unable to think with the ball at his feet. You can see it every time he touches it, he can’t anticipate the action and doesn’t have the vision and creativity required to finish those half-chances. Walcott’s good, but he’s far from a refined product and I’m wondering how long we’re willing to wait. With another chance at a trophy gone by the wayside, is it time to give the youth movement another year, or will Wenger truly and honestly make a legitimate run at a trophy by bringing in high quality, proven products.

It’s a disappointing day to be an Arsenal fan, and the only good thing about this tie is that it was a complete hammering and there was no question who was the better team. There are no “what ifs” to lament about, it’s an old-fashioned beat down and perhaps we can learn something from it. With our league hopes dependent on Chelsea and Man Utd dropping points, it’s unrealistic to think we’ll end up with a trophy this year, but as always you keep hope. The difference is that in years past, that hope was predicated on proven quality and not just pure hope alone.

Bendtner 1-0: Watch :: Download

Messi 1-1: Watch :: Download

Shit, Messi again 2-1: Watch :: Download

I hate Messi 3-1: Watch :: Download

Messi is good 4-1: Watch :: Download

Wenger Interview :: Bendtner Interview

Twitter – @arsenalist

Carlos Vela is cooler than the other side of the pillow. And that second goal is too slick. Check the Match Report.

Watch the highlights which have all 6 goals and a few highlights.

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Highlight of the game: Adebayor rubbing that dance in the fuckers face. Enjoy the goals, my favorite is the Walcott one, reminded me of Thierry Henry a bit. You know, coming down the left and angling it away from the goalie into the side-netting. Classic stuff. Eboue wasn’t half-bad today, but then again this is League 2 opposition. Also, check out Gallas on both their goals. Tsk tsk.

• Arsenal.com Match Report
• BBC Match Report – Ends up having PG interviews
• My Arsenal Feed

Nicklas Bendtner 1-0: Download :: Watch

Some Cunt 1-1: Download :: Watch

Robin van Persie 2-1: Download :: Watch

Emmanuel Adebayor: 3-1: Download :: Watch

Very Big Cunt: 3-2: Download :: Watch

Theo Walcott 4-2: Download :: Watch

Emmanuel Adebayor 5-2: Download :: Watch

Emmanuel Adebayor 6-2: Download :: Watch

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