Former Gunners striker John Hartson says Arsene Wenger's side can only hope for a miracle as they attempt to overturn a deficit of two away goals in the Champions League last 16
According to Hartson, Arsenal have to "hope for a miracle" after a double in the first leg from Lionel Messi, who along with Luis Suarez and Neymar will be confident of putting the tie well out of reach of the Gunners at Camp Nou.
He added: “It might only be a two-goal deficit, but if Arsenal were to have any chance they needed to get a lead and a clean sheet at the Emirates.
“They played well for an hour, but an hour isn’t good enough and I don’t think Barca were at their best.
"Arsenal cannot afford to go after it because they will be exposed at the back. Messi, Suarez and Neymar will fancy their chances against a defence that has leaked too many soft goals.
“They need to keep it tight, take any chances that come their way and hope for a miracle.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger appears to be running out of opportunities to win the Champions League, with some sections of the Gunners support calling for the Frenchman to leave the club, but Hartson does not think failure to win Europe's top competition would damage his legacy at the Emirates Stadium.
“It does look increasingly likely that he is not going to win the Champions League, but that should not detract from his achievements in the competition,“ Hartson said.
"To reach the knockout stages 16 years in a row is amazing and has helped put the club on the map in Europe and beyond.”
- Goal