Arsenal Left In A Messi

Barcelona are 11/8 to win the Champions League after brushing aside Arsenal last night. A mistake from Cesc Fabregas, let in Lionel Messi to score the opener on the stroke of half time. It didn’t take long for Arsenal to level; with makeshift centre half Sergio Busquets heading into his own net.

A draw would have been enough for the Gunners to progress, but their task was made harder when Robin Van Persie was shown a second yellow card. Claiming not to have heard the whistle for offside, he kicked the ball away - it was a soft dismissal. From then on it was one way traffic. It was only a matter of time until Xavi and Messi got the winning goals and it could have been more, but for the outstanding Manuel Almunia.

Footballer of the Year – Lionel Messi is now 6/5 with Coral to be this season’s top scorer in the Champions League; he currently leads with 8 goals. His closest challengers are Anelka, Eto’o and Gomez, all with seven goals each. The bookmakers judge Anelka the biggest threat; he is 7/1 second favourite with Coral.

It was a disappointing night for Arsene Wenger, who saw another chance of silverware slip by. Arsenal are now 4/7 with Paddypower to finish the season empty handed.