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Sport: The Crow/The Wroe: So, how would Spurs have fared against Barca’s brilliance?

Published: 1 April 2010
by RICHARD OSLEY

AS Spurs edge closer to the strange reality of a Champions League qualifying place, due only to the sheer incompetence of Liverpool this season, remember this true fact. If Tottenham ever find themselves 2-0 down at home to Barcelona, they will fold completely and go on to lose 5-0. As much as they want the good stuff, they are not ready. Not yet.

Now, no slaphead fool is going to tell you that Arsenal were better than Barca at the Emirates Stadium or that they can be better than Barca in the Nou Camp. But credit where credit is due.

The Gunners this week did themselves proud by clinging onto the tails of the finest passing team in Europe, a side that tore Manchester United to shreds last year, and coming out of the encounter undefeated. Chelsea must have been so jealous.

Barcelona had the greater ability and wit, but Arsenal had the heart and determination of a rejuvenated Samir Nasri and Theo Walcott.

And then there was the grimacing grit of Fabregas, who hobbled on in adversity like Pele in Escape To Victory. With a possible broken something, he blasted in a penalty that sealed an impossible comeback. It was then said he may not play again this season. So, Arsenal: Win something for Aaron Ramsay. And Van Persie. And Gallas. Win it for Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs. Most of all, win it for Fabregas, our hero.

by PIP WROE

ALMOST the perfect weekend. We eased past Portsmouth and moved to within seven games of Champions League football.

If we can beat Pompey as convincingly when we meet them again in the semi-final of the FA Cup next Sunday, I think we’ll get Aston Villa in the final. Yes, I’m already thinking of the final.

Yes, I’m aware that Villa lost 7-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, which is why they will be even more determined to knock Carlo Ancelotti’s men out of the cup.

I’d prefer to face Chelsea. Not only would beating them make winning the cup that much sweeter, but the all-London showpiece would be the ultimate gut-wrencher for Arsenal fans.

On Saturday when the news filtered through that Birmingham had snatched a draw and possibly ended the Gunners’ lucky title challenge my smile grew faster than Nicklas Bendtner’s ego.

I think Kevin Phillips’ face-finish deservers to be a contender for Goal-of-the-Season, especially as it brought so much joy to a packed-out Lane.

With games against Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal still in the locker, Spurs will play a major role in where the Premier League crown ends up. Let’s hope we don’t end up doing those Barcelona wannabes down the road a title-winning favour!