So, I'm not sure Arsenal even touched the ball during the first half. The first half has been played almost entirely in Arsenal's half of the field. They have had 0 shots. Not a single one. They almost made it through the half without conceding, though, which would have been a wonderful accomplishment considering the circumstances. 1-0 is still very flattering for the visitors. Messi should have netted at least 2 and Villa should have had another. That goal by Messi was really beautiful. It's always nice to see a goal, but man, that was a goal! Arsenal need to calm down and stop fouling. Really, the possession isn't much different than it was last time. I think it was close to 70/30 last time, and it is close to 75/25 right now. Arsenal just managed to be threatening last time, which is something they have failed to do completely thus far in the contest. I originally predicted that the lack of Sergio in the midfield and the lack of the usual center defense would allow Arsenal to have a few more chances than normal, but the defense has yet to be tested. Hopefully Arsenal can make the second half of this game a more interesting one.
This is set to be a very interesting game. Arsenal is defending a 2-1 advantage from the first leg in England. Arsenal owe that advantage to some superb defending by Koscielny and the skill of Jack Wilshere - the kid has some serious talent - but, they also can thank Barca for slipping out of gear in the second half and Victor Valdes for forgetting how to guard his near post. Not to take anything away from Van Persie, who deserved a goal. Anyway, I don't think Arsenal can count on them to surrender too much of the ball at the Nou Camp. There is one bright spot, however; Puyol and Pique are out. That means Sergio Busquets will be filling in at center back. The work he does for Barcelona goes without much praise, as it all seems to fall on Xavi, Messi, and Iniesta. Alves and Busquets, though, seem to be very integral to the team. Mascherano is a good player, no doubt, but he just doesn't seem to be able to distribute the ball as well as Busquets nor protect the back four, or two as so often is the case with Barca, as well. Arsenal are rejoicing the fact that Fabregas, Van Persie, and Wilshere will be playing, Song, however, is missing as is Walcott. Song is the man that anchors the midfield, and Walcott, as we all know, has the pace to torment any defense. He also singlehandedly kept Arsenal in the fight last year against Barca. If Wilshere and Koscielny can manage to play again like they did in the first leg, there doesn't seem to be any reason they can't send Barca out.
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