The greatest team in the world? But which one??

A few weeks ago I joked that Arsenal could become the first team to win the quadruple but after last nights magnificent win over Barcelona it may not be a joke after all.

The ball hits the Barca net at the Emirates last night

If ever a team had total belief in themselves and in their manager it was the Gunners last night. After chasing shadows for long periods of the first half they didn't panic, stuck to their guns and ended up with one of the greatest European performances seen by an English club side.
The hype surrounding Barca looked to be justified in the first half, where their passing and movement was a joy to behold, but Arsenal worked hard and even created two or three good chances themselves; Robin van Persie's volley from a lovely chipped Cecs Fabregas pass being the best of them.
But Barca should have been out of sight by the break. Lionel Messi, the best player in the world, missed what can only be described as a sitter when one-on-one with Wojciech Szczecny while the little Argentinian then had a close range header ruled out for a marginal offside decision. By then David Villa had already put Barca ahead and you feared the worst for Arsenal as they trooped off at the break, but whatever Arsene Wenger said to them at half time it certainly did the trick.
They were transformed in the second half and that forty-five minutes will go down as among the greatest of Wenger's time at the club. For long spells his side made Barca look ordinary and while the goals came late on there can be no doubt they were fully deserved. The second, from substitute Andrey Arshavin, was a magnificent effort on the break as Arsenal out-Barca-ed Barca!

Arshavin celebrates his winner last night

But while van Persie and Arshavin rightly took the plaudits for the goals it was the performance of young Jack Wilshere that really stood out. In a midfield containing World Cup winners Xavi and Andres Iniesta little Jack not only held his own but was the best player on the pitch. His birth certificate shows he is just 19 years of age but in footballing terms he is a man, and if the recent transfer fees being paid for average English players is anything to go by then this lad is worth £100million already! Yes Messi is the best player in the world at the moment but he was very much in the shadow of young Wilshere last night.

Wilshere shows a World Cup winner how its done

Meanwhile the much criticised Arsenal defence also rose to the challenge. Laurent Koscienly has had his critics this season but was magnificent against Pedro and Messi while Johan Djourou, Arsenal's best defender this campaign, showed once again what an excellent player he is. But every single one of them worked for the cause, threw themselves at everything and made sure they have a lead to defend in the Nou Camp in a fortnights time.

But will 2-1 be enough? I am confident Arsenal will score over there so Barca would then need three. Possible? With their attacking quality of course it is, but if Wenger's boys show the same spirit, determination and desire again then I see no reason why they cannot finish the job and who would bet against them doing the quadruple then??