04.05
Losing a two goal lead for a second time will be unacceptable for the Spanish giants in the Barcelona vs Arsenal live streaming thus defending properly will be a priority. While defending has never been their forte, the Spanish champions are better than that. Manager Pep Guardiola might have preferred to focus on his team’s brilliant first half display. Yet there remains concern over the way his side could not maintain their focus from start till end. With Puyol and Pique suspended for the second leg, there is a greater need to play with strong focus. A few more mistakes could let Arsenal back into the tie even though they have largely played second fiddle to Barcelona.
Arsenal will count themselves lucky to still be in the tie despite having been comprehensively outplayed at the Emirates Stadium. It was not only a lesson in class and football passing for the spectactors, but also for the Gunners. It was a largely unfamiliar situation for the Premier League team as they are often the ones giving the lesson back in England. They would not want to remember the experience for long. It was difficult for the Arsenal players to get hold of the ball as Barcelona kept constant possession. Arsenal were also far behind in the number of shots recorded but they still managed a draw. And with the score pegged level, they are not out of it yet.
The problem with injuries has afflicted both teams. Barcelona will also have to deal with player suspension as their main central defensive partnership will have to sit out the match. The scorer of both their goals at the Emirates Stadium – Ibrahimovic – is a clear injury concern in the buildup. The Swede has picked up a calf injury. Arsenal are no better off as half of the first team lineup are major doubts or certainties to miss the match. Cesc Fabregas is their chief playmaker but he has been ruled out due to a season ending leg break. There are also concerns in other departments. Strikers Arshavin and Van Persie will both miss out on the match of the season. The defence will also be weakened with William Gallas unavailable due to a recurrence of his calf injury. Can both teams still put on a show despite crippling injuries and personnel issues?