Wenger: We have exceptional quality as well

Results

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

Manager Arsène Wenger yesterday reminded his team that they shouldn't be worrying about the qualities that Spanish giants Barcelona bring, but focus on their own qualities.

This is possibly the match of the year as the purists of Spanish football clash with the artisan football that Wenger's teams adhere to, played under the floodlights in a world class stadium.

The sub plots of the tie cannot be forgotten as well - captain Cesc Fabregas was 'poached' from the Catalan side, whereas all-time top scorer Thierry Henry makes a return to the club he left in such emotional circumstances years ago.

When the pundits and neutrals are mostly writing off Arsenal's chances to progress in the tie, Wenger is urging his side to remind themselves of their own qualities and strengths.

Wenger said: "We must be brave and go for it.

"What you want from your team is not to worry too much about the strengths of Barcelona and focus on our strengths.

"I do not deny their quality, but we are an exceptional team as well.

"I do not deny their quality. [However] the form of the day, the desire, the belief, how much we play for each other will make the difference.

"They are an individual and collective threat, but so are we.

"If we produce the best performance, then we can beat any side in the world."

Defender Thomas Vermaelen reinforced the views of the manager, saying that him and his team mates were not worried about certain individuals in the Barca line-up.

Vermaelen said: "We are not focused on individuals, because we have to play our own game and play as a team.

"Messi is a very good player, one of the best players in the world. However, there will be no time to be intimidated. You do not have to be nervous or look at individual players. You have to be focused on your own performance and the team's performance.

"If you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the best teams."

And needless to say, we're urging you, to get to the ground as early as you can and start an atmosphere of welcome, but intimidation, for our Spanish guests.

Get behind and cheer the team on, remember to jeer the reigning European champions. Make them fear the Arsenal.

Come on you Reds!

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