UEFA Champions League: Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Barcelona, 3-1

• Messi 45, 71 (pen),
• Xavi 68

FC Barcelona

Arsenal

• Busquets 52 (og)

A dubious, controversial sending off, poor squad selection, brilliant Lionel Messi, sheer possession dominance from Barcelona. All were factors in Arsenal elimination from the UEFA Champions League as the North London giants failed to contain a rampant Barcelona outfit, eventually admitting defeat at 3-1.

Many fans will criticize referee Massimo Busacca, whose rash sending off of Arsenal striker Robin van Persie in the 56th minute, was pivotal in Arsene Wenger's sides demise. However the Gunners seldom looked like themselves on a night when quite frankly Arsenal were seriously outplayed and did not deserve to advance to the quarter finals of Europe's most prestigious competition.

It was always going to be a tough second leg encounter for Wenger's youthful men. After securing a 2-1 win in the first leg of the quarter finals last month at the Emirates, Barcelona were destined to come out firing, utilizing everything in their fantastic attacking artillery.

Sure enough from the first whistle, the Spanish kings engulfed possession and rarely gave Arsenal the ball. Barcelona's star studded attack of Lionel Messi, David Villa, Xavi Hernandez and Pedro all looked threatening despite no glorious challenges appearing.

Things got worse for the already off the pace Arsenal in the 18th minute when goalkeeper Wojciech Szczensy was forced off after a powerful Daniel Alves free kick dislocated the young Polish shot stopper's finger. Since acquiring the Arsenal number one role in December the youngster has been superb and had impressed greatly in the first leg.

This saw much maligned and experienced keeper Manuel Almunia enter the fray, ensuring dismay from the Arsenal faithful. However the Gunners began to convey, desperate yet strong defending as they slowly saw off a barrage of attacking masterclass from Pep Guardiola's men.

Unfortunately the attacking fuelled game fans had expected was becoming considerably one sided as Arsene Wenger's men rarely managed to attack the Barcelona goal. Tempers were slowly beginning to flair and when Robin van Persie, who until only hours before the encounter was not expected to be fit to play, sparked an argument with Barcelona defenders Eric Abidal and Dani Alves.

The Duthchman then softly yet intentionally caught Alves high when play resumed which prompted a yellow card. A move that would come back to punish van Persie and his teammates. Just as it appeared the Gunners would prevail and enter half time still with a valuable lead, captain Cesc Fabregas played a back heel inside his own box that found Andres Iniestia, who calmly found the magician Messi, who scored after a brief scramble.

However after the main break it was Arsenal, who found the breakthrough after the seven minutes. Off a rare attack in the Barcelona half, the Gunners received a corner which found the head of Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, the Spanish World Cup Winner, headed the ball in an awkward position that flew passed Victor Valdes into an empty net.

A lucky break for the Gunners, who to be fair, in recent weeks have not enjoyed much luck. However just as it appeared Wenger's men might be capable of pulling of a suprise win, four minutes later Robin van Persie received his marching orders.

The Dutchman had latched onto a through ball from Jack Wilshere that was instantly met with the offside flag from the linesman, van Persie however either didn't care or didn't hear and continued forward before shooting a second later.

To be fair to the striker, when he turned around his expression lead one to believe van Persie did not hear a whistle, especially considering there were more than 100,000 people shouting. It ceased to matter as Massimo Busacca adjudged van Persie to be time wasting and despite the Arsenal protest, was sent off.

Barcelona almost instantly made their one man advantage count. However an unlikely hero in Manuel Almunia made a number of superb saves for the next ten minutes before Xavi Hernandez broke through and found the aggregate equalizer.

Arsenal were depleted and fatigued, as Barcelona continued to boss possession, two minutes later Laurent Koscienly fouled Pedro in the Arsenal box and a correct penalty was awarded. Lionel Messi had no hesitation whatsoever to give the deserved team victory.

Player Ratings

Wojciech Szczesny:N/A: The young Polish shot stopper was forced off after just eighteen minutes and could be absent for more than a month.

Bacary Sagna:5.5: The reliable Frenchman struggled to contain the likes of Adriano, David Villa and Andres Iniestia along with some questionable passes and positions. Rarely featured in attack too.

Laurent Koscielny:6.5: The French defender worked gallantly in defence but quite simply couldn't contain the rampant Barcelona. Koscienly did make some strong challenges and blocks however.

Johan Djourou:6.5: The imposing Swiss was also solid at the back with some impressive tackling and headers. However eventually lost his way and failed to contain Messi and his disciples.

Gael Clichy:5: The experienced left back was poor as well as often being caught in the wrong position. Little Clichy could contribute in attack but fans needed their Frenchman to defend better.

Abou Diaby:5.5: Alexandre Song's injury ensured Diaby as forced to take on the defensive midfield role and failed to make his presence felt despite some neat tackles. Luckily escaped giving a penalty for a foul on Messi and was guilty of astray passing.

Jack Wilshere:6.5: The hardest working Arsenal player, the teenage sensation aided his defenders greatly and appeared to be the only one, along side Samir Nasri, who attempted to pierce the Bacrelona back line.

Samir Nasri:6.5: The French dynamo tried and tired to blow the Barcelona defence down but unfortunately Nasri's quick feet and balance failed to enforce. Some neat runs however from the former Marseille play maker.

Cesc Fabregas:5.5: The captain was largely anonymous bar a cheeky back pass in his box that lead to the opening Barcelona goal. Granted the Spaniard had been rushed back from injury but the Arsenal faithful expected more from their fearless leader.

Tomas Rosicky:5: Was the Czech playing? Barely featured, or so it seemed as questions will be raised over Wenger's integrity as to why Andrei Arshavin didn't start.

Robin van Persie:5: It was an encounter of utmost importance but it appeared van Persie was indeed a little rushed back into proceedings. Failed to make his presence felt upfront, akin to the Netherlands vs Spain World Cup Final, before eventually receiving a red.

Substitutes

Manuel Almunia:8: The experienced Spaniard was superb as he made a number of vital blocks, sadly Barcelona just proved too strong. Nice to see Almunia under a good note.

Andrei Arshavin:6: The Russian dynamo attempted to spark life into the 10 man Arsenal attack and many felt the Arshavin should of started.

Nicklas Bendtner:5: The Danish sharp shooter had a chance later on to ensure the Arsenal victory but failed to capitalize.