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Five ways Arsenal can upset Barcelona

By Tarek Hisham

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during a training session at London Colney on January 23, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger during a training session at London Colney on January 23, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /
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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 22: Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal (L) celebrates with team mate Nacho Monreal as he scores their first and equalising goal during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between RSC Anderlecht and Arsenal at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on October 22, 2014 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – OCTOBER 22: Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal (L) celebrates with team mate Nacho Monreal as he scores their first and equalising goal during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between RSC Anderlecht and Arsenal at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on October 22, 2014 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

1. Defend with heart and effort

This last one seems like the most simple of the lot but it is often the most difficult to keep up, especially for 90 minutes against a dynamic side like Barcelona. The effort and heart it takes to keep them at bay is a vital component to any upset plans Wenger may have hidden up his sleeve but it is difficult to maintain.

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Especially at home, Arsenal cannot set up with blocks of four and “park the bus” as they say because that allows Barca too much time on the ball and too much space around the penalty area. The Gunners need to harass and bother the Blaugrana midfield but that of course takes a great deal of effort.

Wenger must use his substitutions wisely to keep his defense and midfield fresh and his players must work their utmost to keep their focus for 90 minutes. Barcelona, and especially Luis Suarez, are known for taking advantage of small mental lapses and will punish any side who makes them. If Arsenal hope to win this tie, or even lose with their dignity intact, they must win the mental game first and foremost.

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