Lee Dixon believes Arsenal can emerge triumphant at the Camp Nou this Tuesday if they show heart and desire.
The former Arsenal right-back, who lifted a number of trophies in domestic and European competitions with the North London club in the past, told The Daily Mirror:
‘Ideally, you would want a more substantial lead and 1-0 would have been better than 2-1. But there is something in the DNA at Arsenal, something that inspires the players to produce resolve when their backs are up against the wall. That could be the case on Tuesday.’
Whilst many have already written off the Gunners chances against Barcelona, Dixon truly believes there is hope for the Premier League outfit, and pinpointed the theatrical 2-0 win at Anfield (which led to Arsenal lifting the league title in 1989) and 1994 European final to demonstrate his point. He said:
‘That lead is vital, really important. It means that unless Barcelona score three times, they can’t afford to relax. Arsenal have to be focused, determined and keep their shape.’
Though I agree with Lee Dixon when he says Arsenal need to show hunger in order to pick up a positive result on Tuesday night, I think it slipped his mind that we will be without key players in Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott, and possibly Cesc Fabregas. Heart and desire can only get you so far, but ultimately, it’s creativity that wins you games, and this is what we will lack against Barcelona.
In my opinion, if these three players were made available for the tie then I would be extremely confident that we could overcome the La Liga champions. However, with them out, and players like Nicklas Bendtner, Denilson and Abou Diaby likely to start, I am seriously dreading the worst for Arsenal.
Nevertheless, these are the cards we have been dealt, so it’s now up to Arsene Wenger and co. to show us what they are truly made of this Tuesday night.
Like what you read? Then follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/Gunnersphere
Visit and Join our Facebook page, click HERE to do so
Gunnersphere is currently looking for new writers to join the squad. Contact via twitter or at Gunnersphere@snack-media.com for further details
Personally, I know what Dixon is saying but realistically I don’t think we can beat Barca especially with key players missing. I think we’ll get beat, I just hope it is not by too much.