I had the pleasure  of watching the two best footballing sides in Europe on Saturday and from the comfort of my armchair. Live games featuring Arsenal v Wigan and later, Barcelona v Recreativo, gave me a chance to compare these two exponents of total football.

Arsenal, without Fabregas, looked no less efficient, and their passing was exemplary. Easily controlling most of the game against Wigan, but not really creating many clear cut chances. Wigan were resolute and until the 83rd minute the game could easily have gone either way. The late goal scored by William Gallas, was more Chelsea than Arsenal in style, but the second two minutes later was a real joy, Rosicky breaking from midfield and scoring a cracking goal.

Barcelona were without Ronaldhino again, surely the Brazilian will have left the Nou Camp by the end of January. I think they look much better balanced without him, i am sorry to say. It allows Messi to do the magic or tormenting and his pace practically dictates the team. Consequently the game is played with much more urgency than at Arsenal but no less fluency, giving the impression of being able to kill a game at any point. Barcelona won their game 3-0, but demonstrated that Arsenal still have a long way to go to match the pretty football being enjoyed at the Nou Camp. Arsenal have time on their hands though, and the improvements already this season make the future very rosy indeed.

If anyone cares Arjen Robben came on as sub in Real Madrids game,only had a few minutes to go.