Arsenal Vs. Barcelona 2011: Robin Van Persie Misses Chance To Equalise

It could easily be even at ones at the Emirates, but Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin van Persie contrived to flash his shot wide when he seemed certain to score after excellent work by the outstanding Jack Wilshere after the 19 year-old midfielder had relieved Barcelona of possession in the centre of the pitch. The ball was worked to van Persie on the left, and he advanced essentially unchecked into Victor Valdez's box, but with the goalkeeper stranded the striker went for power rather than precision and hammered just wide.

We have an update on the Barcelona goal, as well - David Villa was indeed onside, and it was left back Gael Clichy who failed to step up with his centre halves on the offside trap. No biscuits for him tonight, one would imagine. Lionel Messi has put the ball into the net for Barcelona, incidentally, but the 'goal' has been ruled out for offside as the diminutive football demigod was several yards past the last man when he headed Pedro's shot, which had rebounded off goalkeeper Wojciech Scezney, home.