Arsenal Learns Hard Lessons the Hard Way

At the Emirates stadium last night Arsenal learned some very hard lessons.

The first was a lesson in football from the arguably the world's greatest side—Barcelona. Despite much talk about not fearing the Catalan side, Arsenal looked very much like a rabbit caught in the headlights.

Barcelona kept the ball well, moved it well, passed sharply and contained Arsenal. There was virtually no fault with their game for 60 minutes.

That Arsenal weren't 4-0 down at halftime was not only a miracle but a major talking point. Two quick goals after the restart should have left Arsenal reeling. Certainly the fans were feeling shell-shocked.

Lesson 1: It's Not Over Until the Final Whistle Blows

That's a good lesson and one Arsenal have learned well since last year. This team showed huge amounts of grit and determination, and refused to give up, despite being not only outplayed but completely outclassed.

Despite losing Gallas through a final recurrence of his calf-injury, moving Song to Centre-Back, losing Arshavin through a self-inflicted knock (as he fouled a Barca player), and removing the woeful Sagna in order to bring Walcott on, Arsenal did not lose heart.

Lesson 2: Don't Be Afraid of Anyone

The fear with which Arsenal appeared to play for the first 60 minutes must have evaporated with the loss of two goals. Their fear justified, Arsenal could feel they had nothing to lose.

Walcott added pace and gave the Gunners an outlet for their frustration. His solo goal sliced past Valdes and the crowd, still behind Arsenal, lifted them further. From that point on the match was all Arsenal—too late, one felt, but not so.

When Puyol pulled down Fabregas in the box, the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Despite a poor game overall, the ref got that decision right. Fabregas scored with calmness and certainty. At 2-2 the game which had seemed so far gone was back, and Arsenal had the momentum.

Lesson 3: Don't Rely on One Man

Arsenal have rarely been a "one man team" in the way that Manchester United are with Rooney, or Liverpool are with Gerrard. Earlier in the season when Fabregas was injured, Nasri stepped into the midfield distributor role and performed admirably. Arsenal won their matches, and proved that although Fabregas is a key player, and a creative genius—the team will not fall apart without him.

The lesson seems well learned for Arsenal—but time will tell, since Fabregas will miss the rest of the Premier League season. The tackle which earned the penalty had severe consequences as it has now been found Fabregas' leg is broken.

Lesson 4: Play to Win

It has often been said, Arsenal can only play one way. This is largely true, but that way doesn't need to be without heart. Grit and Determination seem to be words of the day for Arsenal and they apply well. That doesn't mean they can or should play like a Stoke or Blackburn, dour and aggressive. It means showing no fear, going forward and pressing your opponents. Most of all it means not giving up; not settling for a draw (or a loss).

Arsenal are learning to play for the win, always. They showed real character against Barcelona and that is a sign of maturity.

Finally

This young team has learned and is learning some very hard lessons, and those lessons are being learned the hard way. Particularly losing two goals at home in the Champions League, and especially losing two key players at a critical time.

Whether they win any trophies this season or not, those lessons will certainly help the team win in future seasons. Of that there is no doubt.