Arsenal Player Ratings Vs Barcelona: 1-4, 3-6 Aggregate

Arsenal now have the freedom of focusing solely on the Premier League after Lionel Messi single handedly demolished the London sides' chances. After the Gunners took the lead early on, the Spanish giants then found their stride and never looked back courtesy of four brilliant efforts from the Argentine dynamo.

It was unlucky for Arsene Wenger and his troops. The Frenchman was forced to rely on the odd second string player as injuries had truly detonated his squad. The absence of captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas was evident as the Gunners lacked their usual flow in attack.

The defensive department lacked the experience and leadership of William Gallas who was missing with a calf complaint. This ensured the out-of-form Mikael Silvestre was forced to fill in despite the able Sol Campbell in the ranks.

But it was always going to be tough for Arsenal.

After coming from the dead in the quarterfinal first leg, when they came back from a 2-0 deficit, the challenge at Barcelona's Camp Nou needed a spectacular effort and with no Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas it was close to impossible for the Gunners.

Furthermore when a side boasts a player like Lionel Messi, well...

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia, 5.5

The Spaniard did his best but just could not contain the Messi Brilliance. Apart from a foolish effort on the fourth there was nothing else Almunia could really do to prevent the goals.

Bacary Sagna, 5.5

Defended relatively well against the dominant Barcelona attack but at times failed to deal with the Barca magic.

Thomas Vermaelen, 6

Worked and worked to prevent the Barcelona threats and on occasion succeeded, but on other occasions was lacking concentration. Solid all up.

Mikael Silvestre, 4

Never really fit to perform against such a strong team and you have to blame Wenger for allowing the Frechman's form and confidence to surge so low. Too many errors.

Gael Clichy, 7

Arguably Arsenal's best performer. Kept the left flank tidy in defense and was an impressive contributor in attack with some great crosses and the odd dangerous shot.

Denilson, 6

Worked hard and long in the defensive midfield and came up with an interception here and there, but at times the lone Brazilian was a passenger in defense.

Abou Diaby, 6

A great effort saw him take the ball and play a scintillating ball to Walcott, which then resulted in the opening goal. That was really it for the Frenchman.

Samir Nasri, 5.5

His usual brilliance and exuberance were lacking as he was conquered quite easily by the Barcelona defense. A few sparkish efforts but not enough from the Frenchman.

Tomas Rosicky, 5

Evidently fatigued as the Czech was almost a liability in attack. He desperately wanted to perform but his body was lacking and with Emmanuel Eboue's lack of a left foot, Rosicky had to perform.

Theo Walcott, 5.5

Barcelona knew they had to contain him or the Englishman was capable of an encore performance of the first leg. The European kings did their job as "Theo" was kept at bay.

Nicklas Bendtner, 6

Did well to get himself and Arsenal on the score sheet but the lanky Dane was too suffocated by the Barcelona defense and his touches were clumsy and heavy at times.

Substitutes

Emmanuel Eboue, 5.5

Tried to get forward and add a spark but had little impact.

Eduardo Da Silva, N/A