Fabregas salutes ‘massive’ victory

CESC FABREGAS has revealed Arsenal’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona is the greatest match he has been involved in.

“It’s a massive victory. It’s the best game I’ve experienced in terms of quality and intensity,” he said.

“They had the ball, they went for it. We had the ball, we went for it. I’ve never experienced a game with so much quality on the pitch from both teams. Of course it was the right result.”

Arsenal were overwhelmed at times during the first half, but their perseverance paid off when Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin completed a riveting fightback.

It was their first victory against Barcelona in six attempts and the result will flood the Gunners with self-belief ahead of the second leg at the Nou Camp on March 8.

Whether a one-goal lead is enough to dispose of a side Fabregas views as the “best team in football history” is uncertain and the Gunners skipper knows the tie is about to get harder.

“We want to prove we can win a trophy like this one. There are 90 minutes to go and we’re playing against a big team,” he said.

“If you want to beat them you have to give everything. We will have to give our hearts. The second leg will be very difficult. We have to perform very well. They will go out to win and we want to attack. You never know what can happen in this type of game.”

Arsenal’s prospects at the Nou Camp have improved after Gerard Pique was shown a yellow card that will force him to miss the return. Factor in his fellow Spain centre back Carles Puyol’s ongoing struggle with a knee injury and the Gunners have been offered a glimmer of hope.

“Pique is a very good player. He will be missed,” said Fabregas. “Puyol will be back I’m sure and Barcelona have so many great players to come back.”

Having scaled the heights of toppling what is considered by many —including Arsene Wenger — as one of the greatest teams of all time, Arsenal must now turn their attention to more mundane matters. Their next assignment is Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Leyton Orient with Premier League clashes with Stoke and Sunderland then sandwiching the Carling Cup final against Birmingham on February 27.

“Winning last night is definitely uplifting,” he said. “We are in the final of the Carling Cup, we have an FA Cup match coming on Sunday and two Premier League games coming up before the second leg against Barcelona.

“I’m hoping this win will be good for the team because since the new year we’ve only lost one game. At the moment we’re on a good run and we want to keep it going.”

Theo Walcott is expected to recover from a mild hamstring problem in time for the trip to Brisbane Road. But centre back Johan Djourou is sidelined for the trip to east London after suffering a back problem against Barca.

Right-back Bacary Sagna is available after being suspended against Barcelona but midfielder Abou Diaby is still banned. Striker Marouane Chamakh will return to the squad after missing out against Barcelona.