Messi scores 2 as Arsenal beaten by Barcelona strike force

Attacking trio Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have scored 91 goals between them this season. “Everyone is aware of what the objectives are”.

Though Luis Enrique’s side are blessed with quality throughout the team, it’s the front three of Messi, Suarez and Neymar – which is arguably the greatest frontline of all-time – that will strike fear into the Gunners. “We lost it in a way we knew we could not give them”, Wenger said.

“You can not look at Barcelona’s recent history without taking Messi’s performances on board”, he told Sport.

Yet Barcelona ripped through Arsenal’s defense barely three minutes after the re-start with a superb pass for Neymar, whose shot was blocked in a one-on-one with Petr Cech. “We know what sort of things Arsenal are capable of and nothing is decided despite the fact we achieved a great result with two goals as visitors”, Messi was quoted as saying by TV3 on Tuesday.

“To be honest I always work really hard but it’s quite easy with them because in some situations in a game you don’t have to wish what they do because they already do it”.

“It was a bit naive but when you keep going for such a long time and keep up with a good team you have to score. The way we finished our chances is a problem because I felt that we missed something in the final third”.

Barca are now heavy favourites to advance to the last eight after the second leg at the Camp Nou on March 16.

However, this – as expected with a club as big as Arsenal – generated a mixed response, with the usual #WengerOut brigade agreeing with Morgan, but with the more level-headed, sensible fans refusing to blame Wenger. Then I just wanted that my team-mates could reach the goal before the ball.

“We are still alive”, the 33-year-old Czech Republic ‘keeper said on his website following Tuesday’s loss at the Emirates.

Despite all its share of the ball, Barcelona’s first real chance came midway through the half with a free kick on the edge of the area that Messi ploughed into the Arsenal wall.