Are Barcelena just a better version of Arsenal ?

Are they simply Arsenal with much better players ? Conceding goals easily and struggling to penetrate against teams that defend deep or defend properly, this has been the hallmark of Arsenal for the last few years

Does their recent lack of success have anything to do with Fabregas? Fabregas is a very direct player and perhaps his selection has altered the dynamic of Barca's play by pushing Iniesta to the wing . Fabregas was at his best when wither Adebayor or Van Persie played up front and in my opinion if you want to get the best out of Fabregas you should get a striker that can hold the play up and make runs in behind . In my opinion Barcelona could do with a player like Manzukic, someone who can make use of crosses and hold the play up .

Barca were better under Pep. It was an achievement if the opposition actually created a chance against them. Although they're top of La Liga and this was just one game, I don't think they're as good as they were before.

In terms of vs AC Milan, it's the first time this season they barely had a shot against a team.

Imo Fabregas shouldn't be starting for Barca. It kinda happened last season too. Barca become more passive when there's a lot of midfielders playing. Although Fabregas is good, he isn't Xavi or Iniesta. Villa or another inside forward should be starting.

Yeah thats true Yohan Modric . I suppose too much can be inferred from one match

We play nothing like Arsenal...what connection do we have with you?

Cross and hold up play..Manzwho?

Mandzukic of Bayern Munich

Arsenals and Barcelona's playing style is very similar, especcially this season .

The only aspect of our games that isnt similar is the pressing and the high line that Barcelona keep .

I know who he is...my point was he wouldnt get 10 minutes a game with us.

And no, we play nothing like you..we never have and even less so this season.

Arsenal don't even play the same formation and tactics like Barca. Both teams just play/try to play possession based football.

we share the same philosophy but that's probably it. Although at times the both teams do tend to get frustrated when they can't breakthrough tight defences

There is an emphasis on passing in both teams and I think that's just about where it ends tbh

The Franchise wrote:I know who he is...my point was he wouldnt get 10 minutes a game with us.

And no, we play nothing like you..we never have and even less so this season.

Why would he play for the second/third best team in the world...

I think the fact that we clearly go for a similar type of player shows that we have similar philosophies.. no?

Philosophy - similar. Tactically - not particularly.

both teams wont admit that 'winning ugly' is at times necessary to get the right result..

Only if you agree Arsenal's just a better version of Wigan.

Motogp69 wrote:

The Franchise wrote:I know who he is...my point was he wouldnt get 10 minutes a game with us.

And no, we play nothing like you..we never have and even less so this season.

Why would he play for the second/third best team in the world...

Because its better than playing for the 5th or 6th?

Apples and Oranges. Arsenal and Barca have similar traits and also very different ones. More differences than similarities imo. Defensive philosophy is diametrically opposite.

Arsenal do not play to possess the ball and tire the opposition out. That alone makes them a pretty different side from Barcelona.

I don't deny that their philosophy is similar though: slick passing with incisive final balls accentuated by deadly finishing.

They both have good short-passing game, but IMHO their philosophies are fundamentally different.

Arsenal uses it's technique and passing game to create chances, Barca uses it to retain possession for defensive purposes.

How do Barca use it for defensive purposes?

This is so 2010.Bayern are most like us now.

Arsenal are a much more direct team than Barca and are alot less frustrating.

arsenal remind me more of real madrid if we are making la liga comparisons. play-wise.

nichabr wrote:Arsenal are a much more direct team than Barca and are alot less frustrating.

I beg to differ.

In all honesty, this comparison is brought up at quite a bad time.

At the moment we look like lost lambs, while our passing game has remained, we simply don't have the players to execute it effectively resulting in scenarios where we are stuck between counter-attacking and possession-hogging. We are no longer the sexy side of 2-3 years ago.

Rev wrote:

nichabr wrote:Arsenal are a much more direct team than Barca and are alot less frustrating.

I beg to differ.

In all honesty, this comparison is brought up at quite a bad time.

At the moment we look like lost lambs, while our passing game has remained, we simply don't have the players to execute it effectively resulting in scenarios where we are stuck between counter-attacking and possession-hogging. We are no longer the sexy side of 2-3 years ago.

When i say alot less frustrating i mean in the eyes of other teams...