Thomas Vermaelen... talking to TV Online at the Nou Camp

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UEFA Champions League

Tuesday, April 06, 2010, 19:45

Vermaelen - It was so difficult to defend

By Chris Harris

Thomas Vermaelen fully accepts that Barcelona's quality was just too much for Arsenal in the Champions League.

The holders swept into the Semi-Final on Tuesday night after a Lionel Messi-inspired 4-1 win gave them a 6-3 aggregate victory. Barcelona will face Inter Milan in the last four while Arsenal return to the drawing board.

Vermaelen worked as hard as anyone to quell the threat posed by Messi and company at the Nou Camp but, speaking to Arsenal TV Online afterwards, he admitted that Barcelona were just too good.

"We knew before the game that we wanted to put some pressure on them but we couldn't because of their quality - they have so much pace," said Vermaelen.

"I think they were great as well today, they played well, they had good possession of the ball as well and for us it was difficult to defend.

"We came here to get a good result, we wanted to get through and the first goal for good for us, but we couldn't keep the score on our side for too long. They made the 1-1 very quickly."

Subscribers can watch the full interview now on Arsenal TV Online. Thomas discussed:

  • a tough night for Arsenal
  • Barcelona's performance
  • the early goal
  • Lionel Messi's performance
  • missing some big players
  • facing Tottenham next week

[Wednesday, April 07, 2010]

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