Arsenal were finally brushed aside 2-0 as Lionel Messi and Neymar combined in a rapid counter-attack to break the deadlock in the 71st minute in the Champions League last 16 first leg match. Messi converted from the spot 12 minutes later to give Barcelona a solid 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg at the Camp Nou. But even in loss, Arsenal provided a fantastic template for any team which wants to trouble the Catalans -- playing with a certain verve going forward and almost scoring a few times themselves. Here are three tactical approaches that Wenger's men executed to near-perfection - a system which, with slightly better players, could have really hit Barcelona.

Attack with verve:

There was nothing simple about the way Arsenal were attacking. With Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey filling in the huge gaps between defence and attack with forward surges during attacks, they had men and options forward and built some fine moves.

There were no instructions to keep it simple. Arsenal tried their tricks and flicks and early crosses. The shots which came clearly caused discomfort for Barcelona and some of the runs into the channels from Ozil were supreme. Arsenal were unlucky not to make most of their half chances. Chamberlain, Sanchez and Giroud all had goes from inside the box, forcing Barcelona to track back and not take anything for granted. They gave them a proper game.