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Gallas goes off against Barca
© Getty Images
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Arsenal may have shown a fighting spirit few thought they possessed in coming from behind against a rampant Barcelona side, but their chances of progressing into the semi-finals remain slim.
• Arsenal 2-2 Barcelona: Gunners grab a lifeline
• Palmer: Barca prove class
• Fabregas broken leg fear following Barca clash
• Wenger waits on injury diagnosis
• Inter 1-0 CSKA Moscow: Milito breaks deadlock
Yes, Barcelona will go into the return at the Nou Camp on Tuesday without the suspended central defensive duo of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique, but it's not as if they can only call on Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell in reserve.
Remember, this is a side which went into the final last season with both full-backs, Dani Alves and Eric Abidal, suspended but they still had little trouble in dispensing with Manchester United, complete with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rafael Marquez, who also missed that game in Rome with a knee injury, and Gabriel Milito are likely to step into the breach.
Arsenal's problems are far more deep-seated. Although the loss of skipper Francesc Fabregas, who was distressed at picking up his third card of the campaign and then suffered a suspected broken leg, will clearly make most of the headlines, it is in Arsenal's defence where the true story lies.
William Gallas, playing his first game since February 10 due to a calf injury, failed to complete the first half. It was telling that manager Arsene Wenger chose to move Alex Song back into defence and bring on Denilson in midfielder rather than subject the veteran Sol Campbell to the pace of Lionel Messi and the power of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
There's little doubt that Campbell, who had problems against FC Porto's attack let alone one of Europe's best, would be a liability. Wenger may have a few sleepless nights deciding who to deploy alongside Thomas Vermaelen should, as seems likely, Gallas fail to recover in time.
Then you take a look at the Gunners' options going forward. Fabregas' suspension is clearly a body blow, and his natural creative replacement in the heart of the midfield, Andrei Arshavin, only lasted 27 minutes. It seems unlikely that Samir Nasri or Thomas Rosicky will be able to pull the same strings in what could be a game of few and crucial chances.
And this leads directly onto Arsenal's other problem: Nicklas Bendtner. The Danish Football of the Year - which makes you wonder how they qualified for the World Cup finals - missed a catalogue of gilt-edged opportunities. Two of those chances may have come after he had been flagged offside, but they provide a snapshot of just why he is not a top-level striker. His free header in the second half was the worst of another classic Bendtner collection. If only Robin van Persie could be back in time.
Arsenal cannot afford to waste such chances in the Nou Camp, but you can't help but feel it won't matter with Barcelona's attacking riches against the Gunners' shaky rearguard.
Comments
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Posted by lil on 03/31/2010
harsh on bendtner as he assisted the first and provided the knockdown for the pk
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Posted by carlito on 03/31/2010
Not sure which Porto game you're talking about but at the emirates Campbell was immense... and Arshavin is not the natural replacement for Fabregas, if you ask me he was taken off because he didn't play for the team but for himself. Samir Nasri is the natural replacement for Captain fab as he showed in that Porto game. We did well to get a draw tonight and I think you're right that our chances are slim at Camp Nou but a wee bit of luck and a large helping of character and it can be done!
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Posted by John.k on 03/31/2010
It will be an imposible mission for Arsenal at nous camp but all the same football is not maths.i give it to barca.
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Posted by Joe Damond on 03/31/2010
In Dale Johnson's assessment on Bendtner's finish, Barcelona is a side of wayward shooter. 0-for-a-bucket in the first half from the Catalan side, no?
Both keepers made unbelievable saves and ESPN should consider spending money on less silly commentators.
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Posted by slot on 03/31/2010
maybe a lil hard on bendtner but that is the truth
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Posted by suman koirala on 03/31/2010
Rosicky can be a very big asset. In form Rosicky is no different than Messi. Holding midfield is in fact the biggest problem for arsenal. I think that Nasri can do Febregas's job well.
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Posted by Biil Glover on 04/01/2010
Seriously, who is this joker that wrote ths article? Almost every assertion he makes, aside from the fact that Arsenal certainly face really long odds of advancing, is wrong.
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Posted by Steve M on 04/01/2010
@Dale Johnson - sir, you are idiot. You do not have faintest idea what you're talking about!
Losing Gallas is a blow but he's missed our last 8 games (of which we have won 6 and drew 1), so it's not like it's a problem we haven't had to face before.
And as already commented, Nik Bendnter played a critical part in both Arse goals.
Please ESPN - employ someone with a little more expertise than the incompetent Mr Johnson.
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Posted by Rohan Scott on 04/01/2010
That's no lie about Bendtner. That he's Danish Footballer of the Year is a sad indictment of Danish football. He's no better than a League One striker.
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Posted by Berke on 04/01/2010
Problem is, Rosicky hasn't been "in form" since time immemorial, while Nasri as a holding midfielder is a recipe for disastre. The only thing that can be imputed to Dale in this article is stating the obvious: Bendtner is awful, and if you're trying to excuse his glaring misses by comparing them with Barcelona's, then you've missed the plot and might need to watch the game (and maybe Arsenal's season) again.
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Posted by Oscar on 04/01/2010
I am disappointed by Dale's analysis of the game, especially saying Arshavin is Fabregas' natural replacement. And make no mistake, as long as the there is an opportunity, Arsenal can still make it. No one denies the brilliance of Barca but the Arsenal lads also showed great character, and may be that is all they will need next week - tremendous character!
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Posted by ribs104 on 04/01/2010
What the hell are you talking about, Dale? Sol Campbell was fantastic against Porto. And did you watch Arsenal matches while Fabregas was out injured? Nasri did brilliantly controlling midfield in the Fabregas role.
Maybe you should spend more time watching football and less time on Wayne Rooney and Man U with the rest of your fellow soccernet correspondents.
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Posted by Anmol on 04/01/2010
Why does ESPN pay people to make such ridiculous and stupid comments.
Wouldn't Song be the natural replacement for an injured gallas why would AW have restless nights?
Nasri is the natural replacement in the middle not Arshavin
Bendtner set up both of arsenals goal. Arsenal have scored more goals out of midfield then any other team a high scoring ST isnt exactly a necessity.
Bottom line I hope for better insight from this site not ignorant trash
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Posted by Sola Jubril on 04/01/2010
I dont know the game Dale watched. ESPN should better look for a good commentation. Nasri is the heir apparent to Fabrigas and Arshavin does not play the role of Fab. Hey look for a good analyst before the good is turn bad for espn. The chance to progress to Semi is very slim that is th only thing he get rigth here. Had on Bent.
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Posted by unwana udo on 04/01/2010
Mr Johnson, it seems unlike the rest of us, you probably listened to the match on the radio,and i think your comments on Campbell and Bendtner are quite harsh. The 2 goals arsenal scored were created by Bendtner and for your information it is only Samir Nasri that can deputize for Fabregas and not Arshavin. Sol Campbell may be lacking the pace but he is still one of the best defenders to grace the game, so please stop exposing yourself..Thank You
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Posted by phil on 04/01/2010
i quite agree that espn should look for an objective football analyst rather than a sentimental one. will say more after picking the semi final ticket at camp nou on tuesday at the expense on Barca!
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Posted by Ian Swan on 04/01/2010
I completely and wholeheartedly agree with everything that Dale Johnson says. He is a legend. You should all listen to him.
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Posted by Maurice Nyambe on 04/01/2010
I'm begining to doubt the calibre of you Soccernet "analysts." Seriously. This particular piece, like many others I've read in the wake of last night's game, is a joke.
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Posted by monday cj on 04/01/2010
I don't this johnson knows his onion, instead putting d blame on bendtner he shd considered d circumstances, gallas, arshavin, bravo gunners we r finishing the game @ camp nou.
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Posted by Sam on 04/01/2010
I wonder if this journalist watched the same game I did. Bendtner had a key role in both of Arsenal's goals.
And indeed, at Camp Nou Rosicky will be called upon to play left striker position, providing ball and tempo control. Nasri will become the AM.
ESPN please dont serve us with journalist who know nothing about football. Let them stick to baseball or whatever.
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Posted by Benny on 04/01/2010
I think Dale has got it wrong here! Bendtner didn't do much wrong yesterday, Barca were just the better side yesterday. No team in the world can play the way Barca played yesterday all the time. I really don't expect the return leg to turn like like the match last night. All I can say is, let's hope for the best. Cheers!
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Posted by MAINA on 04/01/2010
nasri will replace fabrigas n rosicky will start on the flanks.song will partner varmaelen and denilson will be the holding midfielder.its hard to win at nou camp but not impossible.i still believe we shall beat them.
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Posted by Pierre Huang on 04/01/2010
well... it has been said too many times... arsenal lacks depth & would REALLY NEED to spend... GK, DF & ST... The arsenal players are so injury prone nowadays is also another major concern for the gunners
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Posted by Ameen on 04/01/2010
Advantage Barcelona. However, if the Arsenal players show some true grit and togetherness they can overcome the Barcelona defense. Unfortunately, Song will probably have to play in the Arsenal defense and Fabregas will be missed. Still, it can be done.
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Posted by Rivs on 04/01/2010
Barca were unbelievable for 60 minutes, but still conceded 2 goals at the end. This will provide most of the remaining teams with a hope on how to beat them. I don't think Arsenal can do it, but maybe Inter with Jose tactics will prove a bigger hurdle for the Catalans.
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Posted by Tawanda Murimwa on 04/01/2010
My team for Tuesday:
- Almunia (hope that was the last of his mishaps as out KEEPER)
- Eboue (really played the game of his life),
- Sol ( we need the strength and height),
- Vermaelen (the only solid defender we have),
- Clichy (coming back good now),
- Song (our catch of the season),
- Diaby (needs to hold the ball more a pass better),
- Nasri (deivers better from the central midfield),
- Rosicky (on the left second only to Arsavin),
- Theo (will keep the Barca left back in check) and Bendtner/Eduardo (we miss VP)
Come on you GUNNERS give us te edge oveer Man United and Chelsea in the league and bring European glory as well!!!!!
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Posted by Ateiyev on 04/01/2010
Such misguided comments! Sol Campbell has loads of experience has hardly been found wanting. he has marshalled the defense admirably despite his lack of pace. Nasri has deputised very well for Fabregas when called upon. Bendtner despite his misses in front of goal has given the team a good shape and brings other players into the game with his hold-up play. Stop all this rubbish anti-arsenal sentiments!
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Posted by peter on 04/01/2010
i am a arsenal fan and the bottom line is they did well this year teams like manu and chelsea,barcelona.inter etc. is no shame 2 loose against maybe arsenal should consider a more proven striker or 2 even though bentner did score some crucial goals but the chances he misses is very unlucky for him........to much legs and arms when he moves no grace
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Posted by seyi olawunmi on 04/01/2010
The world should get ready for the all time biggest suprise in football history at the camp nou.I see arsenal paying barca back in thier own coins even without fabregas.The likes of Nasri,Diaby and Rosciky just needs to come to the party more in the middle of the pack while theo will be a tormentor from the flanks.
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Posted by joseph on 04/01/2010
arsenal played with focus, barca felt relaxed, while arsenal fought it out. no problem we decide it there at Nou camp
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Posted by femi on 04/01/2010
talkin of arsenal's defence when barca conceded 2 goals in twenty minutes with only a few attack from arsenal..........they are very VULNERABLE in defence nd that might be costly if the gunners are precise in their attack.
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Posted by moses nyakeya on 04/01/2010
Whichever way you look at it, Arsenal have an uphill task but not impossible. People can say whatever they want to say but it all comes down to the second half at Nou Camp next Tuesday night. The better team on the day will progress. Both teams have quality, Barca has more quality than Arsenal at the moment if you may; but that doesn't mean anything. The final score aggreagate score after 90mins in Camp Nou will speak for itself.
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Posted by Lucas on 04/01/2010
i very much agree. you could see it even in this game. when did their goals come: just after Gallas went off. where did they come from: the gap between Gallas and Vermaelen. specifically, they came from a gap left when Vermaelen shifted up to cover Messi when Song failed to shift over to close that gap.
not Song's fault, just he's out of position. Campbell would have been TORCHED repeatedly if he'd played.
it could be a long 90 minutes at the Camp Nou
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Posted by jay on 04/01/2010
i dont agree with the comment that both keepers made unbelievables saves, it was only Almunia who suffered lastnite, thus we can name him man of the match, however i admit that Arsenal is in the form capable of defeating Barca, though it will be difficult. I think the absence of fabregas, ashavin and Gallas is not a big deal as it talked about, Arsernal still has best players. a team must not rely on few players ony that is my belief.
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Posted by Osa on 04/01/2010
U were a bit harsh on Bendtner here..., I think he played well last nite. Arsenal has a big chance at d camp nou. D fighting spirit tells u that.. I'm nt sure abt Gallas, d team seemed 2 have coped well without him. I believe Nasri would do good in central midfield.
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Posted by bedy on 04/01/2010
Where were you when Man U was outplayed for 85mins and they lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich
Do you realy believe Man U or Chealsie can come back and draw as arsenal did yesterday.
The point is Arsenal players were totaly afraid of Barca players supriority for almost 60mins of the game but when it was 2-0 they have nothing to loose again Walcot came in and they all play there game and close up to Barca 2-2.
Where are you English hypocrits criticising Walcot all these months his crime is that he plays for Arsenal if he is playing for any other team he will be your hero. No wonder Capelo is not listening to you hypocrits and no wonder you can not have a good English Coach ot team manager,look at the list,Harr Redknapp,Alladyce e.t.c they are your top English coaches can you give them your England team.
Now look at the list Arsene Wenger,Ferguson,Anceloti,Mancini e.t.c. if you people have options from where will you pick from.
So stop your B;;;S hypocritic lecture and face reality.
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Posted by ALOYE on 04/01/2010
It seems most of your commentators are Man U and Chelsea fans.Who says it is impossible for arsenal to win in Nou camp?It can only be decided by 22players in 90minutes.
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Posted by henry k on 04/01/2010
We read these kinds of articles to the last word because we are arsenal fans, not because they are good, please, please,do us a favour and stop boring us and being so shallow in your analysis
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Posted by Olatunde 'Dumila on 04/01/2010
Every championship side is as good as their shot stopper, see how many point van has save for united this season, what's wrong with arsenal? and where is the young manone? is Wenger bein a mad french man to an italian here?
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Posted by Phill_d_trini on 04/01/2010
Johnson, clearly you did not re-watch the game based on your article. While Bendtner may not be World class, he gets himself into position ALWAYS to miss/score... Most people DO NOT have that gift. My thinking is, he will score a lot more soon. He had been influential in both our goals and that header was fantastic, matched by an equally fantastic save.
The defensive pairing of Milito and Marquez is most questionable, I would be really surprised if it is they even pair up or last. Marquez is SLOW and so is Milito.
ESPN please do better than put writers such as these to report on Universe class team matches...
Phill
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Posted by Les on 04/01/2010
Eish I wonder why almost all the journalists want to slate the gunners efforts - rember folks, itwas a draw, NOT 7-1 like Chelsea & A Villa. Bentner is the most misunderstood player in the team. remeber he brings strngth and height to the forwrds who at best are all a bit short. He may have headed the ball at the keeper earlier in th egame, but guess who set up the first goal AND the penalty with a clever bit of work. Sure he has his faults but he is a solid worker and can't be accused of being lazy. Sorry guys, he has to be in the team and if he scores, remeber who said this . . .
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Posted by kupox on 04/01/2010
I dont believe it, that the gunners chances to progress to semi final are slim. why? one can ask. let look at the squad that arsenal can start with at nou camp.alminia in the goal and the backline Eboue,Song,Thomas and Clichy this is more than worth to keep barcelona out without scoring. with the mild filled with Walcot,Nasri,Denilson and Rosiscky i think we will be able to score 2 goals in the first half. our strikers must be two, Bendtner and carlos Vera. sagna,diaby, arshvin and mannone as substitute. as long as thier try to keep possession and be faster and quick with with the ball, the chance of progressing are not slim. but this still a game to watcth
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Posted by wilson on 04/01/2010
The Danish Football of the Year - which makes you wonder how they qualified for the World Cup finals ? WTF is this guy talking about? Does he anything about Denmark's quality?
I cant believe this guy is qualified to write for ESPN!!!!Unbelievable!
Posted by okey odoh on 04/01/2010
I honestly dont know who allows have wit analysts like you to take up your pen and write nonsense
If you had watched that game as i believe you didnt you wouldnt have written that nonse about Bendthner, thats why i have come to believe one article i read that all English football analysts dont know anything about football
Please spare us your useless analysis
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