Source: Daily_Mail
Barcelona are the best but Arsenal can cause upset, says Manchester City's Sylvinho
Sylvinho has hailed Barcelona as the best team in the world - but still believes Arsenal have a chance of reaching the Champions League semi-finals. [LNB]The second leg of the quarter-final between the pair on Wednesday promises to be another classic after the 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium last week. [LNB]Barca dominated the first half and looked to have the tie wrapped up when Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted twice but Arsenal fought back to draw thanks to Theo Walcott's goal and a penalty from Cesc Fabregas. [LNB] On target: Walcott scored shortly after coming off the bench at the Emirates [LNB]With Pep Guardiola's side boasting two away goals and home advantage, few pundits believe the Gunners can cause an upset. [LNB]But Manchester City defender Sylvinho, who played for Arsenal for two years from 1999 and joined Barcelona in 2004, has not written off Arsene Wenger's side. [LNB]Crocked: Ibrahimovic has been ruled out of the second leg [LNB]'I love the way Arsenal play football, and Barcelona as well,' he told Press Association Sport. 'It was an amazing game. I think everyone around the world was talking about this game. [LNB]'Arsenal have got a chance. It won't be easy because they're playing at the Nou Camp. It's not 50/50 but it's going to be interesting.' [LNB]Last season's Champions League final, when Barca beat Manchester United to complete the treble of Primera Division, Copa Del Rey and European titles, was Sylvinho's final game for the Catalans. [LNB]It brought to an end a five-year spell in Barcelona, and Sylvinho has nothing but praise for his old club. [LNB]'They're definitely the best in the world,' he said. 'The way they are playing is unbelievable. If you want to be champions, you have to be a great team with great players, but they've also got a great mentality.' [LNB]The 35-year-old, meanwhile, insists it will be a major achievement if City hold onto fourth place in the Barclays Premier League and qualify for next season's Champions League. [LNB] Old school: Sylvinho was speaking from Abu Dhabi, where he is supporting the Etihad Airways Manchester City FC Soccer Schools[LNB] [LNB]The Eastlands club have been the biggest spenders in the top flight for the last couple of seasons following the Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover in 2008. [LNB] Robinho, Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Craig Bellamy, Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge, Gareth Barry and Roque Santa Cruz have all arrived in big-money moves, with expectations duly rocketing. [LNB]Manager Mark Hughes was dismissed in December and replaced by Roberto Mancini, despite City having lost only twice in the league all season at the time. [LNB]With six games to go, Mancini's side lie fourth, a point ahead of Tottenham and four clear of Liverpool with a game in hand. [LNB]Sylvinho said: 'When you talk about the top four in the Premier League, people are used to seeing four teams, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.[LNB]' It doesn't matter if you spend a lot of money, it's difficult to get in the top four. We are nearly there and the next six games we're going to see how it goes. [LNB]'We've got a good chance. We're working very hard and the next result is really important.' [LNB] Keown: Stopping maestro Xavi is key to Nou Camp success for GunnersWalcott must play fast and loose: Pace ace primed to spook BarcelonaHow can Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola fill huge gap at the back?Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists: We're back from the dead and we can shock Barcelona in Nou CampVIDEO SPECIAL: Arsenal's European challenge isn't over yet - the Gunners have produced some of their best performances away on the continentARSENAL FC
