Despite the 4-1 score line, the Gunners cannot say the Blaugrana are better man-for-man. Rather it was one man, a little one at that, who undid the Arsenal defense. The Gunners entered the game as wounded warriors. William Gallas, Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas led a parade of injuries ahead of their date at the Nou Camp.
In the run-up, Arsene Wenger said all the right things. His coy optimism was similar, yet noticeably subdued, compared to cautiously confident Pep Guardiola. Neither manager truly disappointed as both legs showed the world how football(soccer) is meant to be played.
Lionel Messi left an indelible impression on the match as he delivered four decisive strikes to settle the game long before the final whistle. The 22-year old Golden Boot and Player of the Year contender hammered a terrific shot past a helpless Manuel Almunia on 21 minutes. He continued on the contribute a hat trick on top of his wonder goal.
Undoubtedly, pundits will hail the result as further evidence the Argentine is the best in Europe. With Rooney on the mend, it will be difficult to argue otherwise. However, an astute observer will have to admit Arsenal were not at their best and contributed greatly the Barcelona fans' chants of "Messi, Messi, Messi" with each goal.
Caught too far up the pitch, mismatched, and, ultimately, lacking innovation against Barcelona, the result is more a testament to lost focus than Spanish superiority. After Nicklas Bendtner's industrious first minute goal, Barca chipped away at their confidence while expanding the score.
Tonight, one name will be mentioned in connection with Arsenal's demise but this writer believes there were eleven at fault and they were all in white.
