Arsenal Vs. Barcelona 2011: Andrei Arshavin Fires Arsenal Into The Lead

Barcelona has been stunned by a brilliant Arsenal counterattack, and astonishingly the home side now lead the team considered by many to be the best side in the world. It's now 2-1 Arsenal thanks to an excellent team goal finished off by occasionally-maligned substitute Andrei Arshavin, who swept home a cut back from Samir Nasri after the French winger had powered down the right side and played midfielder Sergio Busquets for a bit of a fool in the penalty area. Nasri, in turn, had been released by a brilliant long pass from captain Cesc Fabregas. It took a fine finish from Arshavin to put the ball past Victor Valdez, and to the delight of the fans at the Emirates, the Russian provided it.

Incredibly, Arsenal could have added to their tally after a dismal error committed by Maxwell while tussling for possession with Nicklas Bendtner. The fullback simply fell over, giving the Danish striker room to advance on the Barcelona goal, but his cross-shot was beaten behind for a corner by Valdez. Meanwhile, Barca are finding themselves suddenly in huge need of a goal, and are coming pretty close whenever they spray the ball wide to a very advanced Dani Alves on the right flank. So far, Wojciech Scezney has been equal to their efforts in the second half. Can the home side hold on to close out the match?