We are really clutching at straws if we think RVP's sending off was the reason we lost. Was he going to stop either of those goals? Would he have been on the pitch when Bendtner fluffed his chance? I doubt he would have completed the 90 minutes anyway. The Diaby foul on Messi was inside the box and it was stonewall.
I think we were very resilient and defended very well. Ironically we lost 4-3 on aggregate but I think when we lost to Barca last season it was a closer game at the Nou Camp. They are just an amazing team when they are on their game and they have been on their game all season. Bendtner should have buried his chance and if he did all we would be hearing is what an amazing never say die attitude and resiliency Arsenal showed tonight. Unfortunately people will now dismiss the fact we lost 4-3 on aggregate to the best team on the planet and accuse us of bottling it, being an embarrassment to English football, playing anti football (even though the same people would have been banging on about why Arsenal should park the bus before the match), etc.
Cesc was awful and clearly should not have played. He was holding his hamstring when he was taken off which means he will probably not play at OT now. Djourou, Kossy & Clichy were all immense. Szczesney won't play either which is a blow. Almunia played the game of his life but it doesn't change the fact that he is nothing more than a decent shot stopper and if Szczesney is out for more than 3 weeks I will be worried. Jack again did not look fazed by the occasion. I don't understand why people say he is overrated. How bitter. Nasri was our best player going forward. RVP was anonymous. On the bright side, Song will probably be back and after RVP's ridiculous sending off, he should be able to play at OT, too. If Nani and Rio are out then I am confident of a victory there. As long as the players don't get disheartened from our defeat tonight, which they shouldn't, then I think the defeat to Barca could prove a blessing, especially if United progress vs Marseille.
I think we were very resilient and defended very well. Ironically we lost 4-3 on aggregate but I think when we lost to Barca last season it was a closer game at the Nou Camp. They are just an amazing team when they are on their game and they have been on their game all season. Bendtner should have buried his chance and if he did all we would be hearing is what an amazing never say die attitude and resiliency Arsenal showed tonight. Unfortunately people will now dismiss the fact we lost 4-3 on aggregate to the best team on the planet and accuse us of bottling it, being an embarrassment to English football, playing anti football (even though the same people would have been banging on about why Arsenal should park the bus before the match), etc.
Cesc was awful and clearly should not have played. He was holding his hamstring when he was taken off which means he will probably not play at OT now. Djourou, Kossy & Clichy were all immense. Szczesney won't play either which is a blow. Almunia played the game of his life but it doesn't change the fact that he is nothing more than a decent shot stopper and if Szczesney is out for more than 3 weeks I will be worried. Jack again did not look fazed by the occasion. I don't understand why people say he is overrated. How bitter. Nasri was our best player going forward. RVP was anonymous. On the bright side, Song will probably be back and after RVP's ridiculous sending off, he should be able to play at OT, too. If Nani and Rio are out then I am confident of a victory there. As long as the players don't get disheartened from our defeat tonight, which they shouldn't, then I think the defeat to Barca could prove a blessing, especially if United progress vs Marseille.



