| Date | Time | C | Opponent | F | A | R | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Feb | 7:45 PM | CL | Barcelona (H) | 2 | 1 | Win |
Johan Djourou has praised the character and spirit of this Arsenal team after their late comeback against Barcelona last night.
The Gunners were trailing after a first half goal from David Villa, but responded with two goals in five minutes towards the end of the game to take a narrow advantage to their second leg tie at the Nou Camp.
Djourou has been a key part of Arsenal's recent defensive solidarity, and he believes the desire to win is very strong at the moment.
He said: "I just think that we wanted it so much. This team can really achieve something great this year and that's what we are showing. Even when we are down and losing, the character is still there and we just want to go until the final whistle.
"For a defender it's the hardest game you have to play because you run so much, they make you go forwards, backwards, sideways, you just have to keep your head and I think the team did that fantastically and showed amazing character."
With Arsenal only a goal ahead and with Barca's away goal, the Catalans are arguably still favourites to go through, and Djourou is aware that there will be another tough test in store for the team when they go to Spain for the return fixture.
He said: "We will take confidence. That's a big boost to go away with. It will be a different game [in the Nou Camp] so we need to show the same focus and have good communication at the back like we did tonight.
"But Barcelona have so many talented players who can make a difference so it will be a tough, tough game. It is not just going to be Lionel Messi, they have other players like Iniesta and Pedro who can make the difference. We have to be focused on everyone."
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They make you go forwards, backwards, sideways, you just have to keep your head and I think the team did that fantastically and showed amazing character.
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