Arsenal vs Barcelona: 10 Things We Learned

In the game billed as the clash of the titans (possession-wise), Barcelona visited Arsenal to start the two legged tie. From the off Barcelona dominated possessions, attempts and everything but fouls, saves and passes uncompleted.

The game ended up being a game for the critics.

Fabregas picked up a yellow that ruled him out of the return to Spain and an injury to go with it.

Puyol was sent off and Pique was suspended, leaving Barcelona with no choice but to field a makeshift defense.

Arshavin and Gallas are doubtful for the next leg.

Almunia has sent the fans on emotional roller coaster this past weeks, from the penalty save against West Ham to shambolic keeping at Birmingham to the outstanding first half here. Then the next half was just plain Manuel Almunia as Ibrahimovic scored a chip from a very tight angle and a shot with virtually no marking.

Walcott returned to being a super-sub breathing new life into the wing and scoring, Fabregas put Arsenal back in the race with a penalty that apparently aggravated his injury.

10 Things That Stood Out from the Game

1. Spanish defenses are bad, Messi was virtually invisible in the game apart from the run he had after beating Song and forcing Almunia to save. Yet this is Messi who scored eight goals in one week. He couldn't even get on the ball in a makeshift defense and midfield. If this repeats itself in the next leg, it might speak volumes about his capabilities in Europe.

2. Gallas and Fabregas where clearly not fit. Sol Campbell, who has had an extensive run of games in the past month or two, could have filled in and covered Ibra for both goals. His experience would have been highly valuable.

3. Samir Nasri might not be the next Zidane but Arsenal definitely have a future star. He took the game to Barcelona and showed Dani Alves's defensive flaws. Credit to Fabregas also for showing the world that the armband is more than a piece of cloth.

4. The flanks were exposed times without number, Maxwell and Pedro had fun on the wings creating chances upon chances but failing to utilize them. As soon as Arsenal opened up, Xavi put Ibra through for the supposed killer punch, so maybe their wings are ineffective without Messi.

5. Know we know which team is the king of possession football, 29 percent-71 percent in the first half, scary.

6. Pep Guardiola is still a rookie. The sub of Ibrahimovic for Henry destroyed the game, while tactician Wenger had Walcott exploiting Maxwell times without fail.

7. Vermaelen is a rock, simply great. The two goals weren't his fault as makeshift Song was on the left side of the defense. Easily the signing of the season.

8. Almunia might be a moody keeper. One half he is awesome the next he is garbage. Credit has to go to him, nine save against Barcelona speaks volumes.

9. Arsenal need to work on the midfield. Denilson and Diaby gave away possession too easily, and Song cannot be used as a CB in the second leg.

10. Barcelona are not unbeatable. Maybe Arsenal started the game with too much respect and just let them attack, leading to a barrage of chances. Barcelona cringe when they are played off the park. In the last 10 minutes if the game, Walcott's directness brought a new dimension to the game and Barcelona became clumsy, as seen by the end result of the game.

The tenacity and determination showed by FF4 might just get the Spanish press talking about "The Heir To Xavi," but who cares?

The game is very much open and with Gallas, Fabregas, Arshavin (doubtful), Pique, and Puyol out, it could probably come down to who is more hungry for it.