Arsene Wenger insists: Arsenal will go for it in Barcelona - we can still make the semi-finals

01 April 2010 09:37
A defiant Arsene Wenger promised his battling Arsenal side would 'go for it' in the Nou Camp next Tuesday in a bid to make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League.[LNB]Who needs Fabregas? Arsene Wenger shows his skills against Barca[LNB]The Gunners salvaged a 2-2 draw against champions Barcelona at the Emirates with second-half goals from Theo Walcott and a Cesc Fabregas penalty after striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had given the Spaniards a 2-0 lead.[LNB]Wenger, however, was waiting for a scan later today after Fabregas, suspended from the return match following a second yellow card, revealed his season could be over after suffering what he feared was a serious leg injury.[LNB]William Gallas' season could be done too after he limped off with a troublesome calf problem while Andrey Arshavin is also doubtful with a calf strain.[LNB]The Arsenal boss admitted playing Gallas had been a gamble which failed but believes the pace of Walcott, who came off the bench to score after an hour, could yet be decisive in the return leg.[LNB]Wenger said: 'He (Walcott) had a huge impact when he came on. He has qualitieswhich can be useful on a big pitch like the Nou Camp. We can still qualify.[LNB]'We have to study how we can win the ball back. When we did that we always looked dangerous against them. We have to go for it. It would be a big achievement but we believe we can do it.'[LNB]Wenger admitted his side were fortunate to still be in the tie after being outplayed for most of the match.[LNB] Missing for the second leg: Suspended duo Gerard Pique and Cesc Fabregas (left) are suspended while William Gallas is injured[LNB] One out, one in? Andrey Arshavin (right) could miss the second leg through injury while Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol is suspended[LNB]'In the first part of the game they could have picked us off,' Wenger said. 'But on the counter attack we can be dangerous.[LNB]'It was a great football match with two teams who went for it. It was an exceptional match.'[LNB]How can this be happening? Arsene Wenger kicked every ball at The Emirates [LNB]Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola also has his problems after losing both hiscentral defenders for next week's match.[LNB]Captain Carles Puyol is suspended after being sent off for fouling Fabregas for the penalty and his defensive partner, Gerard Pique, is also unavailable after incurring two yellow cards.[LNB]Guardiola said: 'We had a lot of chances and we had a lot of control. We are proud of our performance. We have a good chance to qualify for the next round.[LNB]'We are happy with this result, but we could have killed the tie. We need to be more focused because they are a good team, otherwise we will go out.'[LNB]Guardiola promised his team would turn on another attacking extravaganza in the Nou Camp.[LNB]He said: 'Everyone who has seen this match must be happy and proud. We play football because we want to give happiness to people.[LNB]'Always you have to attack. That is what I try to put into the heads of the players.'[LNB] Fabregas broken leg fear: Arsenal midfielder set to miss title run-inArsenal 2 Barcelona 2: Walcott and Cesc keep Gunners alive and kickingJamie Redknapp's Champions League watch: Arsenal's total comebackMartin Samuel: Arsenal must give Theo Walcott a run at the Nou CampThierry Henry only has a bit-part role on a night of pure drama at ArsenalARSENAL FC

Source: Daily_Mail