When the Champions League draw was made, many Arsenal fans had a feeling they were going to draw Barcelona. Arsene Wenger’s side threw their group away, and this is the punishment Arsenal are going to face. Barcelona have been sensational for the past three years, and seem to be getting better. I wouldn’t give Arsenal too much of a chance against them – if they continue to play like they have over the past weeks. A defeat may actually help Arsenal’s long term Premier League aspirations.
Arsene Wenger must know that the Premier League is there for the taking this season. Although Arsenal have fallen behind Manchester United, they are still very much in it. Arsenal need to get their priorities right. Winning the Champions League would be a fantastic achievement but becoming Premier League champions has to be the priority. There are no certainties in football, however, Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed very favourable draws, and Tottenham stand a good chance of defeating Milan. A defeat against Barcelona would not be the end of the world in terms of the Premier League.
The longer Manchester United and Chelsea are in the competition, the better for Arsenal. Manchester United have a backlog of fixtures coming up, mix that with the FA Cup and they could struggle. Do Manchester United have the squad capable of challenging on three fronts in 2011? It would seem they do not, Arsenal could take advantage of this. Chelsea will also be competing on three fronts with a paper thin squad. Add to this, Chelsea’s obsession to win the Champions League and they may take their eye off the Premier League.
Again, nothing is certain in football. I am not saying for one moment that Arsenal will not beat Barcelona. However, going on last year and the way the two sides have played this season, the likelihood is that Barcelona will win the tie over the two legs. Arsenal have a better team this year, but so do Barcelona. They have added David Villa to their strike force, and his performance in the recent Catalan derby was majestic. If Barcelona go into the Arsenal game in this form, Arsenal will be put to the sword again. Arsene Wenger’s side have come a long way since being destroyed in the Nou Camp but again, so have Barcelona. There would be no disgrace in losing to Barcelona, it could help them.
If Arsenal lose to Barcelona but win the Premier League in May, it may be seen as a blessing in disguise. It is completely hypothetical but we have to accept that in all probability Chelsea and Manchester United will go further in the Champions League. If the Arsenal squad has their eye on the ball, fighting for one championship, Arsenal could very well become 2010-2011 Premier League champions.
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