Barca, the ones to beat? Could we do it??

26may1989 · Post by **26may1989** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:17 pm

I've just finished watching Barcelona v Zaragoza and have to conclude that Barca are in very good shape this year. The style of play is very similar to ours, but Lionel Messi is moving onto new levels. The man, sorry, boy is magnificent, and just about impossible to defend against when he is in the form he showed in the first half. He scored two goals in the first 11 minutes.

Titi had plenty of chances but every time found the Zaragoza keeper, Cesar, in his way every time. I know it's cruel to say, and he did play pretty well, but there was a hint of the Franny Jeffers situation about Henry's performance - everyone seemed desperate for him to get his first La Liga goal, but it just wouldn't happen.

Yaya Toure was very good, and anchors their midfield very well, and the overall team dynamic looked good. But by the end of the game, I couldn't help thinking we could take them on, even on this form. Containing Messi, supported by Deco, Iniesta and Henry (or Eto'o or Ronaldinho, once they're back) would of course be a major challenge, but it looks doable, if our important players are on top of their game.

Am I being completely mad??

gunners-need-steel · Post by **gunners-need-steel** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:41 am

yeah, barca looks quite impressive .. with waves of attack after attack ..

but I believe we can take them on and win, with an efficient holding midfielder like diarra on a sharp form ... and the sort of close no-nonsence marking we gave seville ..

Hagbard 23 · Post by **Hagbard 23** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:52 am

Just seen highlights... Barca look scary.

I wish we could sign Messi.....

stearmaster · Post by **stearmaster** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:57 am

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MESSI AT ARSEBAL TOO, BUT CANT SEE THAT 1 HAPPENING *AT THE MOMENT* ANYWAY, BUT AS WE ARE THE 2ND RICHEST CLUB IN THE WORLD IM SURE WE COULD LURE HIM AND A FEW OTHER SUPERSTARS IN THE FUTURE.

sorry bout the caps by the way!!!!

26may1989 · Post by **26may1989** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:50 am

I hate to say this, and I hope it's a good few years away yet, but there's only one way I can see Messi and Fabregas playing for the same side. And it won't be for us.

Post by **I Hate Hleb** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:48 pm

stearmaster wrote:I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MESSI AT ARSEBAL TOO, ....

IS THAT SOME NEW GAY NIGHT CLUB YOU HAVE STARTED TO FREQUENT?

(IF SO, NOW I CAN SEE THE RELEVANCE OF THE USERNAME STEARMASTER!!)

Drone · Post by **Drone** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 4:57 pm

Common ya gooners, they look good in spain but they want be playing the same game against us because they will be busy on defending.

gunners-need-steel · Post by **gunners-need-steel** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 5:41 pm

KAQAK wrote:Common ya gooners, they look good in spain but they want be playing the same game against us because they will be busy on defending.

Absolutely right, Kaqak .. oh, wise one ...

Our attack is just as potent as theirs, so they will have their work cutout trying to defend against us too ...