Simply sublime: Arsenal boss Wenger in awe of Barcelona artistry after 3-1 Nou Camp defeat
The Catalans’ manager Luis Enrique jokingly claims the only team he wouldn’t want to draw in the next round is Barcelona after another superb performance
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hailed Barcelona’s front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar as capable of turning football into art as all three struck to eliminate his side from the Champions League.
We have to admire art and they have two or three players that transform normal life into art
The Gunners bowed out at the last 16 stage for a sixth consecutive season 5-1 on aggregate after a 3-1 defeat at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, but gave the European champions a scare with a spirited display.
“We have to admire art and they have two or three players that transform normal life into art,” said Wenger.
“I have to say we played against a team with the best strikers I’ve seen. The three are exceptional and from nothing they can create a chance.”
By contrast, Arsenal’s whole squad have managed just 72 goals this season and their downfall was once again a lack of cutting edge up front.
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Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck missed great chances to level after Neymar’s early opener.