The Red Report: An un-Sung hero, the big boss & a Gooner’s nightmare
As per usual we decided to look at a non-United topic. Having discussed what we’d like to see happen in the Champions League draw last week, this week we discuss one of the ties in particular…Arsenal vs. Barcelona:
Chudi | The Busby Way: I personally can’t see Arsenal/Barcelona going any other way than it did last year, with an Arsenal being embarrassed. If anything it will probably end up worse with a more clinical finisher in David Villa upfront in comparison to Ibrahimovic.
It may be folly to completely write off Arsenal though but I really can’t see Arsenal beating them, it is often said Arsenal can only play football one way and unfortunately that one way plays right into Barcelona’s hands.
Arsenal fans often sing a song declaring their team as ‘the greatest team the world has ever seen’, last season that was horribly exposed as a lie and I won’t lie I look forward to seeing it happen again in a couple of months.
Doron | Stretford-End: As someone said on Twitter, this is Primark Barcelona vs. Barcelona. I can’t wait to see this tie. Personally I hope Arsenal get well and truly exposed and embarrassed – for they think they play like Barcelona…well they don’t! No doubt Wenger’s arrogance and naivity will lead him to believe he can outplay Barcelona at their own game. This will be the perfect example of why Wenger isn’t as good as people think – never ever does he have a “plan b” and boy oh boy will he need one in this tie. On the other hand, Barcelona to be knocked out at the last 16 stage…it’s a nice thought!
TG | ManUtd24: Let’s just say it: I’d like Arsenal to win. Not that I’m afraid United will play Barcelona at the latter stages because they might and probably would, but it’s always good to have as many English teams as possible in the competition. Still, I’d expect Barca to prevail over both legs. You feel for Arsenal – it’s everything they wouldn’t want after last year’s demolition at the Camp Nou.
Alan | RedForceRising: I won a nice bit of cash when Barcelona thrashed Arsenal by more than two goals and will be placing a similar bet this season. If Barcelona play against Arsenal the way they did against Madrid, the Gunners have absolutely no chance and it is likely to be another massacre at the hands of Xavi and Co.
Kyle | Stretford-End: I just cannot see anything but Barcelona advancing from this tie. The Gunners were embarrassed by Barcelona last year and I honestly don’t think anything has changed. Sure, Arsene Wenger’s kids are a year older and more experienced, but they still aren’t on the level of Barcelona. The only reason Inter managed to defeat Barcelona last season is because Mourinho went into the game with a plan to stifle Barcelona’s attack. It was a very disciplined, defensive performance. If Arsenal is willing to give up the attractive football they’re so proud of and grind out a result then they may have a shot, but I still don’t think they’re good enough. That said, I’d be happy to see Arsenal get some sort of fluke result and knock out Barcelona; would make our chances in later rounds a lot better.
Any game that involves Barcelona is mouth-watering these days, add the team who think they’re Barcelona…makes for a great tie.
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Best of the blogs:
The Busby Way | 24 Years, One Month And 14 Days – These Are The Numbers That Matter
Stretford-End | Arsenal Bring Out The Best In United
ManUtd24 | Individuals Are Starting To Take Responsibility At Old Trafford
RedForceRising | Qatar Holdings Linked To £1.5bn Takeover Of Man Utd And Why It Could Be True
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That concludes another Red Report for the week. Hopefully this edition keeps you entertained until next Monday. We’re always open to hear from you so you can catch us on Twitter:
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But don’t forget to check out our individual sites if you think we have missed something, as it is likely at least one of us will have covered it there:
The Busby Way
Stretford-End
Bangalore To Old Trafford
ManUtd24
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