Alex Song has revealed that everyone at Arsenal is buzzing ahead of their big Champions League game with Barcelona this Wednesday.
The two sides met last year and Barca were dominant in both legs, winning the tie 6-3 on aggregate, but Song believes Arsenal have improved since then.
The Gunners struggled against the big sides last season, but have pulled off big victories over Manchester City and Chelsea this term, and Song thinks the Chelsea performance in particular should serve as a blue print for games such as these.
He explained: “The reference point for us has to be the Chelsea match from December, when we pressed them very high from the first minute and gave them no room.
“We need to do that to Barcelona – they have a similar style to us and it should be a pleasure for everyone to watch.
“I can’t wait. Everyone’s talking about it, not just here – a lot of my friends have been in touch wanting to come over and watch.
“It’s a very good tie, I think we took a lot from last year’s matches. Both of us are in good form and if we can keep as many players fit as possible for both legs then we can do something.”
Song believes the fitness of in-form striker Robin van Persie gives the team an added boost this season, as the Dutch striker can score at any time.
“I’ve always said that Robin is one of the best strikers in the world,” he said. “He’s had bad injuries but has come back so well.
“When Robin is 100 per cent fit, you know he’s dangerous at any time. He’s scored a lot of goals in the past few weeks and helped the team in other ways; it’s very important to have him fit, because he’s one of the guys who gives you a real chance.”
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