Next to a felled British hero, there is nothing quite like a great British escape. Arsenal was comprehensively outclassed by Barca for the whole of the first half and much of the second, and yet managed to force an equaliser with one penalty that most of Catalonia believed a major miscarriage of justice.
Sitting where I was behind the Arsenal goal, it was impossible to tell, and the replays on the giant screen at the Emirates stadium didn’t help. Was it merely coincidental that all they showed was Cesc Fabregas scoring the penalty rather that the alleged penalty being committed?
But this was a game of nobility mixed with tragedy, no question. Some beautiful football was indeed played, mostly by Barca but not exclusively. The big Swede Ibra squandered much too many chances in the early stages and then redeemed himself with a sublime lob. Xavi in midfield showed what a magnificent creator he is. Messi, not on his best form, nevertheless. As for Arsenal, they were saved thanks to some brilliant goalkeeping by Alumnia, and ever greater heroism by Cesc Fabregas.
The sight of Cesc fighting his guts out (and his leg) for Arsenal against fellow Catalans gave a gladiatorial feel to the evening, as did Thierry Henry’s extended ovation at the end, applauded, as Cesc was, by fans of both clubs.
This was an evening when football was played as it should be , with mutual respect and minimum anger. It was gratifying to have several Arsenal fans come up to us cules after the game in the pub and pay tribute to the quality of Barca. How different to Stamford Bridge where Chelsea fans try and compete with each other in the range of verbal abuse they throw at us, the volume rising as their football gets more ugly.
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