Source: Daily_Mail
Arsene Wenger shouldn't look to the history books for hope ahead of clash with Barcelona
Arsenal's six-game winning streak came to an end last weekend, much to Arsene Wenger's annoyance. But there's one record the Gunners boss won't mind seeing the back of very soon - his winless run against Barcelona.[LNB]Wenger hasn't tasted success in five matches as a manager against Barca. His best result is a draw and he has suffered four defeats with Arsenal and Monaco.[LNB]Still, he has two opportunities coming up within the next week to put the (poor) record straight. Sportsmail takes a look at how it has gone wrong for the Professor in his previous meetings with the Catalans.[LNB]Barcelona 2 Arsenal 1 (May 2006)This game started badly, perked up in the middle, but ultimately ended in heartache (again) for Wenger. His team faced an uphill battle after Jens Lehmann's 18th-minute dismissal.[LNB] Heartache: Arsenal battled bravely in the 2006 Champions League final but were hit by two sucker punches in the final 13 minutes[LNB]But Sol Campbell's powerful header on 37 minutes gave the Gunners hope, hope enough until the final quarter of an hour when the Catalans turned the screw and stole the cup.[LNB]Samuel Eto'o levelled in the 76th minute and Juliano Belletti sealed the crown with a close-range finish with nine minutes remaining at the Stade de France.[LNB]Arsenal 2 Barcelona 4 (October 1999)Another game which started badly and became progressively worse for Wenger. Behind to an early penalty, the Gunners were two down moments later with via a Luis Enrique strike. [LNB] Vintage: Organised by Pep Guardiola (right) a world beating crop of Barcelona players ran riot at Wembley against the hapless Gunners [LNB]Credit to Arsenal Who got themselves back in the game via DennisBergkamp just before half time but Luis Figo restored the two goal lead10 minutes after the break and Phillip Cocu's strike with 20 minutesleft sealed the points.[LNB]Marc Overmars made the score look more respectable with six minutes to go but Wenger's side were well beaten in the end. [LNB]Barcelona 1 Arsenal 1 (September 1999)Success,at last! Well, the Gunners won a point away in the Nou Camp, a battlingdraw which many missed as ITV London decided to show a ManchesterUnited game instead. [LNB]The Gunners went behind to a soft goal, started by Pep Guardiola in the centre circle was eventually bundled home by Luis Enrique. [LNB]But Kanu levelled with less than ten minutes remaining after the Nigerian striker scuffed a volley home from the penalty spot. [LNB] Bundle: Luis Enrique celebrates his goal against Arsenal at the Nou Camp[LNB]Barcelona 2 Monaco 0 (1993)The two sides met for the second time in their group and this game worked out only slightly better for Wenger. His side were defeated but by a margin of one - Hristo Stoichkov's 14th minute winner winning the points. [LNB]The two sides progressed from their group but were both knocked out of the competition by eventual winners AC Milan. Monaco in the semi-final, Barca lost out in the final.[LNB]Monaco 0 Barcelona 1 (1993)Matchday Two of the recently enlarged Champions League placed Arsene Wenger's high-flying Monaco against Barcelona, Wenger's first meeting with the Catalans. [LNB]However, it wasn't a game to remember for the Frenchman, the Spanish champions, featuring the young defender and future Barca manager Josep 'Pep' Guardiola, ran out winners after a brace from Txiki Beguiristain settled the tie.[LNB] MARTIN SAMUEL: So, will Arsene the artist throw his paint pot at Barcelona?Fabregas always impressed Guardiola with his finishing - even as young boyGallas back for Arsenal's clash with Barca as Fabregas call goes to wire Fabregas determined to prove Arsenal can mix it with Barcelona superstarsChelsea and Arsenal face Lukaku fight as Milan step up bid for 'new Drogba'Arsene Wenger says fine football is the best weapon ahead of Barca clashARSENAL FC
