ARSENAL STUNNED MIGHTY BARCA 2-1

ARSENAL stage a stunning comeback in second half to defeat mighty Barcelona 2-1 in the first leg Champions League knock-out stage at the Emirates Stadium last night. Substitute Andre Arshavin seal the win for the Gunners six minutes before time before Robin Van Persie earlier effort in 76th minute put the home side on level terms.

Earlier Barca took a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute through striker David Villa. The Argentine midfield maestro Lionel Messi created the move to provide a through ball between the Arsenal defenders before Villa slide in a shot past through Wojciech Szczesny legs.

Arsenal made a bright start provide their first clear chance at goal through Robin Van Persie early as in the six minute. Cesc Fabregas found the Dutchman on the left in the box. The striker hits it first time but goalkeeper Victor Valdez was quick to block the shot with his legs at the near post.

The Arsenal skipper again deliver another splitting pass for Theo Walcott on the right. The England international cross perfectly towards for Van Persie in the box but defender Gerard Pique a few seconds quicker just in time to nod away the cross.

Then came Barca goal through David Villa. The striker looks to be in the offside position but the Italian referee Niccola Rozelli ignored calls from the Arsenal bench. From then on it was the visitor total domination with the home side chasing shadows

In the second half with a goal down, Arsenal continued to press forward searching for the equaliser. Their hard work did paid off when Arsenal were rewarded with a goal in the 77th minute through Robin Van Persie to keep the momentum going.

The Dutch hit-man race through a Gael Clichy slick pass over the Barca defence before rifle in a left foot shot at the near post past Victor Valdez. The goal does prove crucial for the resurgent Arsenal sides. Its spark the Emirates and Arsene Wenger's men with a strong believe that a win is likely to come.

In the 84th minute then came in the winner. Arsenal launch a quick counter attack with Jack Willshere intercept a pass in the Arsenal defence. The England international quickly latch on for Cesc Fabregas in the centre circle. The Spaniard then send in a through pass for Samir Nasri to make the run from the right. The Frenchman then cuts inside and laid a perfect pass for Andre Arshavin to hits it first time into the net.

Barcelona rallied a late charge to save the match but the Arsenal defence certainly keep their nerve to hang for a majestic win.