It's just not been Lionel Messi's night at the Emirates. After barely missing a goal in the first half while one on one with Wojciech Scezney before seeing a header find the net at almost the same time that the linesman's flag went up, it seemed like only a matter of time before he managed to score. It hasn't happened yet, though, despite two (relatively) easy chances falling his way within a minute. First, centre back Laurent Koscielny bravely blocked the striker's goalbound shot before Barcelona picked up the ricochet, and David Villa managed to feed Messi once more. One on one against Scezney once more and from an acute angle, Messi's shot could only ripple the side netting.
Arsenal Vs. Barcelona 2011: Lionel Messi Spurns Double Chance
The pass to Messi was Villa's last action, as the goalscorer has been hauled off the pitch in favour of Seydou Keita. Arsenal have made a change of their own, introducing attack-minded Andrei Arshavin for Alex Song, who someone avoided being sent off after receiving a yellow card after three minutes and committing enough fouls in the first thirty minute to satisfy an army of Mark van Bommels. It's an attacking ploy by Arsene Wenger, who'll be desperate to find an equaliser in the final twenty minutes or so of the match.
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