Ignore the pessimists, Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona gives them a shot at glory: their greatest moral victory of all time.
How do we know? We know because of that prophet who says 'we': history.
The Gunners record in the Champions League knockout stage is like having deja vu all over again. They have been knocked out of the last 16 in each of the last five seasons, and the ties of the last four seasons have followed a consistent theme:
Arsenal will lose the first leg against esteemed opponents- usually at home - and follow it with a heroic performance in the second leg, only to agonisingly fall short, often on away goals. The second leg win is often described as brave, gallant, gutsy, heroic, spirited or valiant.
While there is bitter disappointment following elimination, the second leg performance is often a moral victory for Arsenal and used as an example to be optimistic about the rest of the season. This optimism soon proves to be false as Arsenal ultimately finish fourth, but sometimes win the FA Cup.
The fact that no side has ever overturned a two-goal deficit from the home leg of a Champions League tie is often mentioned in the build-up to the second leg.
Here is the historical proof:
2014/15: Eliminated by Monaco on away goals (3-3)
This tie is proof that Arsenal are doomed to repeat this cycle of results, regardless of the quality of opposition. Arsenal were favourites to progress against Monaco, only to manage to mess up by losing the first leg 3-1. In a heightened display of "being Arsenal", the Gunners conceded immediately after equalising in the second half and conceded an ultimately decisive third in the 94th minute.
In a heightened display of "being Arsenal", the Gunners conceded immediately after equalising in the second half and conceded an ultimately decisive third in the 94th minute.
In true Arsenal fashion, they went and won the second leg 2-0 through goals from Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey, but fell narrowly short of progressing.
Arsenal.com Bingo
The following words were included in Arsenal's match report of the second leg: gutsy; gallant; No side has ever overturned a two-goal deficit from the home leg of a Champions League tie.
2013/14: Eliminated by Bayern Munich 3-1 on aggregate
Arsenal were hamstrung by a red card to Wojciech Szczesny in the first half as Bayern cruised to a 2-0 win at the Emirates through goals from Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller. The Gunners travelled to the Allianz Arena for the second leg and performed much better, but the 1-1 draw was not enough, and they crashed out against the holders.
Arsenal.com Bingo
The following words were included in Arsenal's match report of the second leg: Bravely; Gallantly; Last season, Arsenal’s performance here breathed life into their run-in. There is no reason why this result could not do the same; Arsenal were out but they went out with their head held high.
2012/13: Eliminated by Bayern Munich on away goals (3-3)
Bayern went on to win the competition, but not before Arsenal snatched a moral victory from the jaws of defeat. Bayern won the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates, only for Arsenal to give them an almighty scare in the second leg. Olivier Giroud scored the opener after just three minutes, and Laurent Koscielny got a second four minutes from time. Bayern were made to sweat for the final few minutes, but ultimately, Arsenal didn't do enough.
Arsenal.com Bingo
The following words were included in Arsenal's match report of the second leg: Arsenal bowed out of the Champions League with their heads held high on Wednesday night; a wonderfully spirited performance; did themselves proud; bodes well for the final games of the Premier League season.
2011/12: Eliminated by AC Milan 4-3 on aggregate
The daddy of all moral victories for Arsenal. Arsenal somehow contrived to lose 4-0 in the home leg -0 albeit at the San Siro - through a brace from Robinho along with goals from Zlatan and Kevin-Prince Boateng. The second leg was a different story as Arsenal ran into a 3-0 lead by half-time, only to fail to score in the second half and exit the tournament in heroic circumstances.
Arsenal.com Bingo
The following words were included in Arsenal's match report of the second leg: They went out on their shield; a four-goal comeback had been achieved only three times before in the history of European competition; In defeat, they had more than proved their mettle; Arsenal may have lost the tie – but they were far from defeated; The European adventure may be now over but Wenger’s men are back on track.
Messi, Suarez and Neymar - who have scored 93 goals between them this season - will offer Arsenal their toughest pursuit of a moral victory yet. But if history is anything to go by, back Arsenal to win 1-0 at the Camp Nou at 22/1.
Arsenal: Ever Tried. Ever Failed. No Matter. Try Again. Fail Again. Fail In Exactly The Same Way.
See Also: Barcelona President Backs Plan Which Would Turn Champions League Into Utter Shit
