Finest Time for Nicklas Bendtner: Barcelona vs Arsenal Champions League 2011

The Danish striker had a lot of expectations at Arsenal until now but he could not perform upto the mark. So, sometimes, he is unhappy that he cannot get enough match experience. Next week, Nicklas Bendtner will get a good chance to show his worth against Barcelona in the Champions league match.

Right now, the Dane striker is full of confidence as he scored  a hatrick against  Leyton Orient last night at the 5^th round play-off of FA Cup. So, he wants to feature at the first eleven against Barcelona.

Bendtner said, "Can I lead the line against Barcelona? Of course.

I am now getting back to where I belong and there are still improvements to come.

To score again there is the dream scenario. We have to take our chances because Barcelona always score when they play at home.

I feel that in the last month I have definitely improved. That is due to my injury problems being completely finished."

Well said, Bendtner and it is nice to see him having so much confidence. However, he must not forget that scoring 3 goals against Leyton Orient is not a big deal compared to even scoring just one goal against Barcelona at Spain. 

Arsene Wenger: Barcelona Still Favorite

Despite Arsenal’s 2-1 excellent win over Barcelona last night at the Emirates Stadium, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger still believes that Barcelona is still favorite to go through to the quarter final of the Champions League after winning the two-leg encounter on aggregate. Wenger boys will face Barcelona away from home on 8 March in the return-leg.

However, besides keeping the favorite’s tag with Barcelona Wenger has also added that Wednesday night’s victory would give his team belief and hope ahead of the second-leg encounter. He thinks that his boys now know they can win at Barcelona- something which they did not know last year. Here, it is noteworthy that a helpless Arsenal side was torn part 4-1 by Lionel Messi when they visited Barcelona last year in the quarter final of the same competition.

Wenger’s confident voice at the press conference following last night’s victory was pretty much justifiable because his players showed sheer improvement on their last year’s performance. In fact, Arsenal perhaps produced their best performance this season against the Messi and co last night. This would definitely boost up their confidence level with Carling Cup final coming nearer.

So, it is clear that Wenger would motivate his players to do everything to win the Barcelona clash on aggregate and clinch a place in the quarter final.

Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona: Champions League 2011

A clinical Arsenal defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg of the last 16 of Champions League 2010-11 at the Emirates Stadium tonight. The Gunners produced a superb display of beautiful football to clinch an excellent come-from-back victory in front of home crowd.

David Villa put Barcelona ahead in the 26^th minutes against the run of play, but two superb goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin in the space of just 5 minutes in the second half ensured the victory for the home side.

Arsenal started to dominate right from the kick off and created a number of scoring opportunities. In fact, Theo Walcott with his electrifying pace and excellent control threatened the Barcelona defense every now and then. Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie were also playing at their top. Arsenal was unlucky not to get a goal before Villa struck for Barcelona.

Villa’s goal just brought the confidence back to the Catalan side. In fact, Barcelona started to gain some control in the match and they led 1-0 at the half time.

Barcelona started the second half safely knowing that 1-0 victory would be convincing enough to start the second leg at Nou Camp. Arsenal players, on the other hand, left no possible chances to go on attack and create scoring opportunities. However, Barcelona defense successfully restricted the Gunners until the 78^th minute when Robin van Persie scored the equalizing goal.

The Dutch striker rushed on the left wing after receiving a through ball and then found a narrow angle between the Barcelona keeper and his near post, and he did not make any mistake to slot the ball into the goal.

This goal just inspired the home side who increased pressure on Guardiola boys. Just after 5 minutes, Arshavin, who had just come on as the substitute for Alex Song, showed his class by converting Nasri’s pass from the right wing with superb precision.

This victory has come as a psychological boost for Wenger boys who would now start the second leg confidence. Barcelona hosts the Gunners in the return leg on 8 February 2011. No doubt, football world would like to enjoy another exciting affair of Champions League, but this time at Nou Camp.