Football: Champions League - Arsenal 2, Barcelona 1

Published: 17 February, 2011
by TOM FOOT

Wenger: ‘Now we know we can win’

ARSENE Wenger hailed a “special football night” at the Emirates after Arsenal came from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 in the Champions League.

The Arsenal boss was brimming with pride as he reflected on what it meant for the club to beat what he described as “the best team in the world”.

He said: “I’m highly delighted because it was a special football night. It absolutely fulfilled the promise of two exceptional football teams. I’m very proud for Arsenal FC tonight because everyone urged us to play differently to our nature and we didn’t. I believe what we gain is more than pride, it can strengthen belief in our philosophy.”

Barca manager Pep Guardiola said: “I admire this style – they attack and we attack too."

With the fans up for it the Gunners raced off at the beginning all guns blazing.  Robin van Persie had one firmly struck shot saved and wasted a second after some slick first-time passing.

But Barcelona always appeared to be in the ascendancy as their touches runs and flicks were that little bit crisper. And it was no surprise when  David Villa silenced the crowd with a clinical finish on 23 minutes. 

The Gunners went in heads bowed at the break and Barcelona, who had not lost in 36 competitive games, were in control through the early stages of the second half. But Laurent Koscielny read the movement of Lionel Messi and Rodriguez Pedro superbly and took command at the back.

Alex Song was replaced, not in an obvious straight swap with Denilson, but by Andrey Arshavin. It was an attacking, go-for-broke gamble – and it paid off. 

On 78 minutes, van Persie smashed in from the acutest of angles. Wenger described it as “special skill” – but it seemed as if Victor Valdes was expecting a cross. With the home support’s noise deafening and the visitors tiring, the tie looked winnable. With minutes remaining, Arshavin met Samir Nasri’s square pass with a sweet side-footer.

“It was a goal as we like it,” said Wenger. “We are still not favourites but we know we can beat them, we didn’t know that last year.”