Arsenal Defeat Barcelona: 6 Consequences of Stunning Champions League Win

What does Arsenal’s stunning win over Barcelona mean for the future of the Gunners, Barcelona, the Champions League, and the footballing world in general?

It's advantage Arsenal as the Gunners defeated Barcelona at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League final 16 clash. The win marked Arsenal’s first defeat of Barcelona.

The victory over Barcelona has far reaching consequences, not just limited to the two teams.

Here are a few...

Premier League Defeats La Liga

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Goalkeeper Victor Valdes of Barcelona looks dejected with team mates after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2011 in London, England.

Barcelona was probably the better team in the first half, but it was down to poor play from Arsenal rather than superlative football from the Catalans.

Arsenal defeated a Barcelona side that was just too complacent. Maybe it was because of the apparently subpar competition in the domestic league in Spain.

Messi was made to look childish, trying to pull off a series of unsuccessful one-twos. The hat tricks he scores in every other La Liga game aside, Messi-ah could not even get on the scoresheet. And it probably did not come as a surprise to his detractors.

The result adds further fuel to the already raging fire that the Premier League is the best in the world, and definitely more competitive than the La Liga.

Passing vs Counter Attack

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BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 12: Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona (R) and his teammate Andres Iniesta in action during the Copa del Rey quarter final first leg match between FC Barcelona and Betis at Camp Nou on January 12, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelon

The second half seemed more of the real deal as to what the best of Premier League has to offer.

Statistics say Barcelona completed more than double the passes Arsenal made. But stats do little to hide the fact that Barcelona lost in the end.

But that’s what football is all about. Barca dictated the majority of the gameplay—with no end product.

Arsenal made three great counter attacks and scored two goals.

May be it was about the perfection of the Gunners' counter attack, but they did reap priceless fruits.

Jack Wilshere is the Real Deal

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Lionel Messi of Barcelona is challenged by Jack Wilshere of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2011 in London, Englan

It’s no mean feat when a 19-year-old takes the breath away from, possibly, the greatest midfield pairing ever. Such was Wilshere’s command and confidence over his own passing.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Wilshere and Fabregas owned the midfield, especially in the second half.

Believe it or not, Barcelona might just start keeping an eye on the magnificent Jack as well.

Walcott Will Never Grow

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: Theo Walcott of Arsenal goes past Maxwell of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Sh

It has been a long time that Theo Walcott is overdue to fill the potential that has made him the constant toast of English media.

He ran, he ran, he ran and then he ran some more: this was the story of Walcott’s evening today. Quick runs and poor crossing characterised what has been a frustrating career so far for a talented player.

Putting Walcott’s display in retrospective with Aaron Lennon’s demolition of Milan’s defence yesterday, it becomes increasingly logical as to why Fabio Capello did not select Walcott for the 2010 World Cup team.

The Boys Have, Finally, Become Men

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: The Arsenal team poses prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Walcott may still show signs of being an unfinished piece, but the rest of Arsene Wenger’s men seem to have finally come of age.

The way Arsenal learned from their mistakes last year against Barcelona is truly appreciative.

Gael Clichy stayed rooted to his defensive position, unless absolutely required.

The arsenal midfield shackled Messi and Co. effectively and made it a point to minimise the number of reverse passes that Messi played with his team-mates.

Their second half performance alone merited the result that gives them advantage going into the second leg.

All is Not Lost for Barca

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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 16: The Barcelona team poses prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium on February 16, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Barcelona may have been at the wrong end of the 2-1 scoreline at Emirates, but they do have a return leg to play at their own ground.

Pique will surely be missing in the return leg due to suspension, but skipper Puyol will return to the centre of defence.

There is no doubting that Barca do have the players to turn the game on its head.

And Barcelona will surely have fond memories of that night in Nou Camp when Messi put four past a hapless Arsenal defence.

Barcelona may be down, but should never be ruled out.