Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Barcelona: 2-2

It was meant to be one of the most exciting clashes of the 2009/2010 season, and fortunately the encounter lived up to it's expectations. Arsenal vs Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.

From the opening stages Arsenal were dominated by the kings of Europe. Poor finishing and some sensational keeping from the much maligned Manuel Almunia ensured Arsenal went into the break 0-0.

But that privilege lasted 30 seconds into the second half. The Spanish giants tore away from the kick off and a poor decision from Almunia combine with an amazing finish from Zlatan Ibrahimovic saw Barcelona take the lead.

Then a poor header from Nicklas Bendtner saw a great opportunity missed for the Gunners as Ibrahimovic soon added a second with another scintillating strike.

It now seemed Arsenal were dead and gone with half an hour to go. Arsenal were struggling with injuries and passing; it looked as if Barcelona could really embarrass the young Arsenal side.

But then came the substitution of Bacary Sagna for Theo Walcott.

Walcott immediately added the spark Arsenal needed and five minutes after his substitution the English speedster found the back of the net through some neat Arsenal play.

Arsenal were now beginning to put the Spaniards on the back foot and after some pressure on the Barcelona defence cracks began to appear.

Then a minute before injury time, a cross from Walcott was neately headed down by Bendtner. The header enabled captain Cesc Fabregas to have a clear shot meters from goal, but leader of the opposition, Carlos Puyol, charged into the back of him ensuring a Arsenal penalty and Puyol a straight red.

Fabregas slotted home with ease to level the encounter. Unfortunately, the maestro picked up an injury whilst scoring the equalizer.

Arsenal came back from the dead and are now have a serious chance to advance to the next round.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia 7.5

After copping with huge criticism from the Arsenal faithful, the Spaniard very nearly made them eat a mammoth slice of humble pie. One poor decision ensured Barcelona scored, but apart from that glaring error Manuel Almunia was superb with a number of vital saves throughout the game. He kept Arsenal well in the tie.

Bacary Sagna 5.5

Struggled with the pace and precision of the Barcelona attack and never really had chances to get forward. His substitution lead to the Arsenal breakthrough.

William Gallas N/A

After missing eight games the veteran French defender was rushed back in to the fray, was tormented, and then taken off with an injury.

Thomas Vermaelen 6

Did his best to deal with the amount of attack that Barcelona threw at him. A few neat interceptions and tackles, but in truth the Belgium struggled.

Gael Clichy 6.5

Attacked strongly down the left, providing impressive crosses and ensuring their was good width. He was bamboozled in defence on occasion.

Alexandre Song 5.5

Not his usual self. Arsenal needed the in-form Cameroon midfielder to be tenacious and aggressive whilst defending the midfield, but really the Barcelona midfield waltzed past him. He was then shifted to the central defence after Gallas departed and was caught out with both goals.

Abou Diaby 5

Diaby was constantling tormented in defence and struggled offensively, often giving the ball away cheaply. Evidently struggling from nerves, the Frenchman will be eager to prove himself in the second leg.

Cesc Fabregas 6

Apart from a cool finish from the spot, the captain was lackluster. He may have been struggling with an injury, but the former Barcelona man gave the all away easily and offered little in attack.

Andrei Arshavin 5

Once again play was relatively disappointing from the Russian dynamo, who was taken off due to injury.

Samir Nasri 6.5

One of Arsenal best threats when with the ball, the Frenchman found space and had some neat touches. He almost found the net with a strong effort.

Nicklas Bendtner 6

He missed a great chance with his header straying straight to Victor Valdes, but grew in the second half, setting up Walcott for his goal. His clever header earnt Arsenal the penalty.

Substitutes

Emmanuel Eboue 6

He offered speed down the right flank and wasn't afraid to take on defenders.

Denilson 6.5

Neat and tidy from the Brazilian. He came on for Gallas and made some doughty challenges as well as contributed to the attack.

Theo Walcott 8

As Arsenal's new-found hero, his introduction ensured Arsenal went from dominated to dominating. His speed was a constant threat down the right and his performance will do his World Cup chances no harm.