• Champions League

David Villa dismissive of Arsenal's victory

ESPN staff
February 17, 2011
David Villa does not believe Arsenal deserved their first leg victory over Barcelona © Getty Images
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David Villa believes Arsenal did not deserve to beat Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 clash.

Goals from Andrei Arshavin and Robin van Persie handed the Gunners a 2-1 advantage going into the return leg in Spain, after Villa himself had put his side ahead in a first-half Los Cules dominated. And the 29-year-old is adamant Pep Guardiola's team should have killed off their opponents when they had the chance, but ultimately were caught out by two lucky breaks that condemned them to an unwarranted defeat.

"They are a very good team," Villa said. "They've caught us on two counter-attacks and caused us a lot of damage. We were better but they hurt us on the counter.

"We didn't deserve this result. The scoreline, when we were 1-0 up, should have been bigger looking at the chances we had. But Arsenal are a great team and took advantage of their opportunity.

"[But] we have a team to get through. We will be ready for the day."

Team-mate Victor Valdes echoed the striker's sentiments, remaining confident that the Spanish champions will progress from the tie at Camp Nou.

"We had the game under control, but they took advantage of their chances well," Valdes said. "There's still the second leg and we have faith that things will turn out in our favour. It's possible in our stadium.

"We are confident that it will all work out for us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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