Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has conceded that the club have blown their chance to win the Premier League this season, but did say that under-pressure manager Arsene Wenger is still the right man for the job.
The now retired Silva, 39, was part of the last Arsenal team to win the Premier League - the Invincibles of 2004.
"This season represented a very good opportunity for Arsenal to become champions. They have lost their chance because they lost so many important points. It's very hard for both the players and the fans to see this opportunity fade away.
"It's difficult to pinpoint what went wrong. Last season Arsenal didn't win the league but did win the FA Cup. That was a platform for this year.
"The big teams - Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea - are not fighting for the title. With all my respect for Leicester City, who are doing fantastically this year, it's a big chance for Arsenal.
Show all 22 1 /22Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Barcelona: Ter Stegen 6 out of 10 For 80 minutes Ter Stegen had little to do despite Arsenal’s goal. But then he made an impressive double save from Sanchez and Giroud denied the visitors the equaliser they deserved.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Alves 6 out of 10 A sumptuous cross for Suarez’s goal capped yet another quietly excellent game for Alves, who dealt well with the impressive Iwobi and Ozil.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Mascherano 6 out of 10 At times seemed to struggle with the direct running in behind of Arsenal’s attack but made a potentially decisive block on Welbeck with the visitors chasing their second.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Mathieu 5 out of 10 Could have been punished on more than one occasion for some sloppy defending. A more incisive attack than Arsenal’s would have made him pay.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Alba 7 out of 10 An under-rated star of this Barcelona side, he helped the hosts apply real pressure down the left flank, bombing forward and providing a series of superlative passes for Neymar and company.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Rakitic 7 out of 10 Once more Rakitic was quietly impressive, winning the ball back with a string of interceptions and tackles to add to his sumptuous passing.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Busquets 6 out of 10 Not at his very best in defence, too often bypassed by Arsenal’s midfield runners, he still controlled Barcelona’s tempo in the attack, providing outballs for attackers and recycling possession.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Iniesta 7 out of 10 When Arsenal equalised Iniesta took control of the Barcelona side, calming nerves in the Barcelona side by dictating possession. It was typical of a mature display from the captain.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Messi 7 out of 10 For all the efforts of his team-mates to lay a goal on a plate for him, Messi struggled against his Copa America foe Ospina until a fabulous late chip.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Suarez 8 out of 10 Varied his position intelligently to drag Arsenal’s backline out of position, playing more of a creative role than that of a No.9. It worked, with Sanchez providing Neymar’s assist before his own moment of magic.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Neymar 8 out of 10 A clinical finish to nab the opener was no less than had been expected of Neymar, who was a joy to watch throughout the match, providing a string of fabulous passes for team-mates.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Arsenal: Ospina 7 out of 10 Did his fair share in ensuring Arsenal stayed in the tie with a fantastic save from Messi moments before an opener he could do nothing about. Continued to make key saves throughout.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Bellerin 6 out of 10 As is so often the case in big European nights Bellerin struggled mightily early on but came roaring back under pressure, refusing to be bowed by Neymar and continually springing forward.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Gabriel 7 out of 10 A really impressive display from one of Arsenal’s worst players in recent weeks, he threw himself in when required but also showed the composure and authority that he has been lacking of late.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Koscielny 5 out of 10 Culpable for the goal that effectively ended the tie, losing the ball bringing it out of defence. It was a cardinal error and it left his team-mates high and dry after an impressive start.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Monreal 5 out of 10 With Alba outstanding at the other side Monreal’s indifferent delivery and lack of pace were only shone in a more unfavourable light in a very poor game for the full-back.
2016 Getty Images
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Elneny 7 out of 10 Another encouraging display for the midfielder, capped by a stylish first goal in an Arsenal shirt. Strong enough in the tackle he certainly looks decent backup for when Santi Cazorla returns.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Flamini 5 out of 10 Spent 45 minutes proving social media right with a performance of exceptional indifference, with his only major contribution being a needless yellow card.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Sanchez 6 out of 10 Raised his game up to his usual standards after his recent woes but remains too rusty in front of goal. He impressed as a provider though, laying on Elneny’s goal.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Ozil 6 out of 10 Was left bemoaning the profligacy of his team-mates in a first half where he provided the chances for Arsenal to bust the tie back open.
2016 The Arsenal Football Club Plc
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Iwobi 6 out of 10 Was not overawed by the occasion with all eyes on him and his cutting infield gave Alves plenty to worry about. How Wenger would have wished he didn’t trip himself up in the area when through on goal though.
Barcelona 3 Arsenal 1 player ratings Welbeck 5 out of 10 At times Welbeck looks like he’s playing on ice and is far too nervy with the ball at his feet. It cost Arsenal dearly, he should have scored one of the two chances he had when one-on-one with Mascherano.
2016 Getty Images
"If you ask me what is wrong, it's difficult to say. Arsenal are too far behind to win the league. Wenger works very hard. You cross your fingers that Leicester lose some points."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies