Written by Adam Gold Wednesday, 07 April 2010 12:40

GunnerTalk Blog

By Adam Gold

And so the 2009-10 Champions League campaign ended at the tiny but mighty hands - or rather feet - of Lionel Messi.

He did to us what Andrei Arshavin did to Liverpool last season and scored four. But rather than in that game which ended a draw, we had no answer other than Bendtner's scrambled opener. Beyond that, we were outclassed by Barcelona the team and outgunned by this magnificent Messi masterclass.

There's no shame in this. Gooners should take their hats off to this Barcelona team, whose pressing game, close control, efficient passing and confidence under pressure are a model for how football should be played worldwide. Dani Alves scampering right up the wing to press Gael Clichy was impressive enough - but this was in injury time after 90 minutes, with his team already 4-1 up. What are this team made of?!

Lionel Messi is the best player of the most complete team I've seen in my lifetime. Arsenal FC have had their moments over the years - the Invicibles side and the Double Double among them - but we have some pretty epic evolution to do before we can perform like Barca did here over two legs.

Messi's finishing in this game reminded me of that Richard Hammond programme about how a fly sees human movement as if it's in slow motion. Messi seemed to have an age to set himself whenever in a goalscoring position, and choose his spot - when the truth is our defence tried to close him down as quickly as possible. As each goal flew in the Barcelona crowd bowed down in a "we're not worthy" Wayne's World form of worship. And there was a certain God-like genius about his play. Does Messi have the fastest brain in football? I'd like to find some evidence - I believe he must do!

We were put in our place by an awesome footballer, and an amazing football team. Even with our full strength XI, I'd argue we couldn't have coped with a Barcelona side on this form. The defeat leaves Arsene with five games to think about in his fight for the Premier League title - but longer term he'll have to wonder where to begin trying to compete at this level. Signing Messi, Ronaldo and David Villa would not even guarantee a fair fight.

Thierry Henry hugged every Arsenal player off the pitch. He'd thoroughly enjoyed himself. Arsenal were left shaking their heads.

We have been shocked here but we should be proud of our players in doing what they could. There were positives here in Clichy's performance, and Diaby and Denilson looking competent, plus Eboue and Bendtner not looking completely out of their depth. However, Walcott, Rosicky and Almunia were very disappointing - especially Tom snatching at his golden chance to make it 3-2. But nearly all these footballers will get better, and the Professor of Football himself will spend this summer absorbing the many lessons learnt here, and apply them in pre-season to the young side in which he has so much faith. For Arsenal to become as total a football team as Barcelona were here, will take education and application, let alone the money!

Gooners of the world - good luck to us!