Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 highlights 8/3/11

Prior to tonights Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola was asked whether he thought Arsenal were mentally suspect taking into account their recent lack of success in the last few years and not having won a trophy since 2005. He responded by insisting they are not mentally weak and that he admires the London side's consistency at the highest level. The gunners still remain in contention for 3 trophies, the champions league, and having to tussle it out with Manchester United in games in the FA cup and league to decided which of the two is to be in with a shot of winning the trophies.

"I keep hearing about the fragility in the minds of the Arsenal players, but I do not agree," Guardiola said. "They are competing with Manchester United for the Premier League, reached the final of the Carling Cup and a few seasons ago were in the final of the Champions League. "Arsenal are always in the top, when you compete every season at the top, it is because they are quality. Sometimes they sell players, but Arsenal always keep the same level. Many teams arrive at the top for one year, but then are finished. Arsenal are there every season. For many years they have kept up there, and that is the real merit. Yes, they lack something, but they are a young team. When they win the first time, they will change the mentality, they will realise they are good."

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