It's Barcelona on my mind all the time

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
31 Mar	7:45 PM	CL	Barcelona (H)	2	2	Draw

Forgive me, for I have sinned. Actually, I am still sinning. I know, I truly know, that no game is more important than the next one. That Birmingham away, at this juncture, is more important than the looming Champions League tie. The League title is sitting right there for the taking, and a win in the Midlands this weekend is all that I should be focused on, but it's Barcelona on my mind all the time. I just can't stop thinking about this matchup. It has totally consumed my thoughts.

This line of thinking is wrong for so many reasons. Overlooking a Premier League fixture is a sin. Arsène is working hard to make sure his players are not thinking as backwards as me. It is an internal conflict that has me searching for answers. For example, if you were to ask me 100 times, "Would you rather win the Premier League or the Champions League?" I would answer all 100 times, "Not even close. I'll take the League every single time." So why is it that I just want this Birmingham fixture to come and go? Of course, I want the three points that are required, but this League fixture just seems like a speed hump on the road to Arsenal v Barcelona.

This tie has the potential to be the best display of football these eyes have ever seen. I believe that statement I just made, and so does Wenger. He said, "The main thing is the quality of the game you will see on the day, and will not see (again) maybe for 10 years". Now, many games hyped like this one ultimately disappoint, but this match has a chance to live up to its billing for the simple reason of how committed these two teams are to their philosophies. Big matches are by nature result oriented. Getting the win or advancing takes precedent over philosophy and style. Mourinho's recent triumph at Stamford Bridge comes to mind. Every once in a while a team or a manager comes along that is faithful to their ideals. In this match we have not one, but two clubs committed to playing football the beautiful way.

Must see TV: The two best footballing sides on the planet are going head to head for 180 minutes. That alone is exciting for a neutral. The fact that my team is involved is straight up sensory overload. The following players may be on the pitch for this match; The King Thierry Henry, Andrei Arshavin, Xavi, Sami Nasri, Andres Iniesta, In form Alex Song, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Big Sol Campbell, Dani Alves, Pedro, Tommy Vermalaen, and Puyol. That's quality in abundance. Throw Cesc Fabregas and Messi into that mix and we are almost talking about art not sport. I want the Gunners to win this game for Cesc so bad. A win would confirm for the Captain that he did indeed pick the right club at 16-years-old, and there is no need to go home any time soon.

So here we are... we drew Barcelona. The range of emotions a crazy fan like me goes through is almost comical. My immediate thoughts were fear. Oh no, not the defending Champs, Barcelona. Anybody but Barcelona! Immediately, dreadful memories from the 2006 Final surface and visions of Messi toying with our defense haunt me. Then fear morphs into anger. Why!?!? How does Lyon draw Bordeaux?!?! What a crock! Platini must be behind this!

After I calmed myself and was able to think logically. I actually began to really like this draw. Anger transforms into hope. To win the champions League Arsenal were going to have to beat Barcelona at some point. Why not face them now? We are very much in form. Watch some of the moves against Porto and West Ham. The Gunners are sharp and dialed in. The passing is fast, slick, and decisive. Possesion leads to chances and chances are being converted to goals. Wenger has the boys in form at the right time. To be the best you got to beat the best. We have done it before against Madrid in this competition. Somehow all those feeling of fear and anger are suddenly feelings of confidence and anticipation. I now honestly believe in my heart Arsenal can win this tie.

I plan to write an article this weekend all about the tactics, strategy, and individual match ups on display Tuesday night. This articles intention is simple; I have had a week to digest the Champions League draw, and I am at peace. While watching the Arsenal V West Ham derby chants from the terraces were loud and clear, WE WANT BARCA...WE WANT BARCA ...WE WANT BARCA. I would like to echo those thoughts. Bring on Barcelona! Having time to reflect, I actually would not want it any other way.

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