Arsenal - Barca Player Ratings

Arsenal - Barca Player Ratings

Szczesny 8 Kept us in the tie with a string of saves in the second half. Made himself big and strong on a one on one to unsettle Messi very early on.

Clichy 6.5 Defended competently despite some scares. Barca were very good on his wing and forced him to make mistakes but he fought well and it was his pass which led to van Persie's goal.

Koscielny 9* Simply magnificent at the back. His reading of the game is superb, his interventions brilliant and dare I say I am beginning to notice that he has this new physical edge. I really think that he stood tall after waves of waves of attacks, and there was a point where he was the only one driving the team forward. His best game for the club by far.

Djourou 7 As consistent as usual and defended well. His strong frame ensured we were good at the back, although he was beaten a couple of times by the classy movements of the Barca forwards.

Eboue 7 He did very well on his side and was solid throughout.

Song 6.5 The early yellow card really prevented him from playing his usual game, which does include making some fouls in midfield. He would probably have been talked to in England for such an early foul but it was nevertheless the right decision by the ref. He settled down in the second half but Arsene did the right thing in replacing him.


Fabregas 7.5 An emotional day for him but he played well and rallied the troops in the second half. His movement was classy and great vision for the second goal.


Wilshere 8.5 Outstanding performer in midfield. He held his own against Xavi and Iniesta in the first half and stepped up a level in the second half. A star in the making, his engine galvanised the team especially at a time when Barca threatened to run riot.

Nasri 7 Not at his best as this game perhaps came too early for him. He struggled in the first half with the pace of the game but really improved after the break. And a brilliant pass for Arshavin's winner too.

Walcott 7 Started like a tornado and really troubled Maxwell in the first fifteen minutes. However, he found it difficult once Barcelona put three men around him whenever he had the ball.

van Persie 8 The Dutch Master scored an important equaliser. The goal was of a brilliant quality as he intentionally recognised that Valdes was not expecting him to shoot. Also, very dangerous throughout and we tend to forget how brilliant he actually is when he is out injured.