#2 Arsenal 2 – 1 Barcelona (2011)
Perhaps one of Arsenal’s most famous victories in recent seasons in all competitions is their 2-1 win over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. Under Pep Guardiola and in the prime of their passing, decisive best, Arsenal out Barcelona-d the away team and won the game thanks to goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin.
Barcelona took the anticipated lead in the first half with David Villa scoring in the 26th minute. But with breathtaking performances for Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and particularly a then-19-year-old Jack Wilshere, Arsenal scored two goals in the span of five minutes to run out winners in the end.
With Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique and Pedro all in their prime, the underdogs brought alive the Emirates unlike any other match in its short history of existence. Ultimately, however, Barcelona won the tie beating the Gunners 3-1 at the Camp Nou two weeks later but the performance at the Emirates is still remembered by many as one of Arsenal’s best ever.
