4-5-1 Average rating 5.6
Wojciech Szczesny 5
Required to make only one save, but the damage caused by Daniel Alves’s shot forced him off after only 18 minutes with tendon damage to a hand that could end his season.
Bacary Sagna 6
Did a better marking job than many would have expected on the dangerous David Villa, particularly after picking up a booking so early in the piece.
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Laurent Koscielny 6
The best performance of his Arsenal career as he made countless crucial tackles and blocks, but his night was marred by conceding the decisive penalty.
Johan Djourou 7
Showed signs of nerves by giving the ball away early on to place Koscielny under pressure, but regained his composure and performed better than most defenders visiting this stadium.
Gaël Clichy 6
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Lucky not to be booked for a late tackle on Xavi in the second minute, but regained his composure admirably and made several good challenges as Arsenal clung on for dear life.
Abou Diaby 4
A virtual passenger in midfield, unable to cope with Barcelona’s swift passing and movement, his Arsenal career is coming to a crossroads as injuries prevent him fulfilling his potential.
Jack Wilshere 7
Will have impressed the watching Fabio Capello with his strength in the tackle, as well as creating the late chance for Bendtner that would have taken Arsenal through.
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Tomas Rosicky 5
Another bystander for Arsenal who provided nothing when going forward, but was at least able to offer Sagna some much-needed protection at right back.
Cesc Fàbregas 4
A dreadful return to the Nou Camp as he repeatedly gave the ball away, was at fault for Barcelona’s opening goal and was substituted as Arsenal chased the game.
Samir Nasri 6
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Spent most of the first half playing as an auxiliary left back as Arsenal were restricted to 30 per cent of possession, but won and took the corner that led to their equaliser after 53 minutes.
Robin van Persie 5
Substitutes: Manuel Almunia (for Szczesny, 19min). Several fine saves at close range on his first European appearance since September 7. Andrey Arshavin (for Rosicky, 73), Nicklas Bendtner (for Fàbregas, 78). Not used: Sébastien Squillaci, Emmanuel Eboué, Denilson, Marouane Chamakh. Booked: Koscielny, Sagna, Wilshere, Van Persie. Sent off: Van Persie.
Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).