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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Michael Jones

Arsenal vs Barcelona: Gunners show familiar defensive lapses in pre-season defeat

Arsenal fell to a 2-1 defeat against Barcelona in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy friendly after an impressive display derailed by familiar defensive lapses.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave the Gunners the lead in the first half after turning Jordi Alba before thumping past Neto.

However, Unai Emery's side were pegged back by a calamitous own goal by Ainsley Maitland-Niles who, under little pressure, passed beyond Bern Leno into the far corner of the net before Luis Suarez stole in to score a disheartening stoppage-time winner. Relive all the action live below:

Welcome to The Independent's live coverage as Arsenal travel to Barcelona to compete in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy friendly.
Arsenal travel to the Camp Nou in the biggest pre-season challenge yet? How will they get on?
 
 
 
 
 
Team news - Arsenal 
 
Team news - Barcelona
 
Barcelona - Neto, Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Jordi Alba, Puig, de Jong, Rakitic, Griezmann, Perez, Dembele
Since 2011 Arsenal have played Barcelona four times. All the matches coming in the Champions League.
 
Barcelona were victorious in three games with Arsenal winning just one at home. 
He's in the stadium but Lionel Messi won't be in action tonight. Given how often he's scored against the Gunners in recent times, they can only see that as a positive thing.
Fancy watching the match live? Got a spare £11.99 for a monthly subscription? Here's how you can: 
 
Mesut Ozil returns to the Arsenal side tonight following their 2-1 loss to Lyon.
 
He replaces Alexandre Lacazette, who suffered an injury against his former club, and there is also another start for 19-year-old Joe Willock.
 
Lucas Torreira returns to the squad after his involvement in the Copa America with Uruguay.
New Barcelona signing Antoine Griezmann gets a big cheer as his name is announced over the speakers. Fans of the Spanish giants will get a could look at him tonight.
 
They same can't be said for Arsenal fans. Record signing Nicolas Pepe wasn't included in the 21-man squad for Arsenal's final pre-season match and fans will have to wait until the Premier League gets started next week for a first glimpse of the £72million winger.
Lionel Messi addresses the crowd to huge cheers, he says: 
 
"It's difficult to say anything today, but I don't regret anything. I can only repeat what I said last season. I believe in this squad, in these players, in the coaching staff. All together, we are going to fight for everything.
 
"Last season was bitter in the end because of how it finished. We have to give value to the league title we won, the eighth in 10 years. It's something really important that we did. Perhaps we don't give it importance today. This club always goes for everything and this year won't be any different. We are here with our hopes renewed and excited to get started. And I hope you feel the same."
Just a couple of minutes left until kick off: 
The match still hasn't started yet as we wait for some players to make their way onto the pitch. 
 
For a bit of background the silverware up for grabs is the Joan Gamper trophy. Who is Joan Gamper, you ask?
 
Hans Max Gamper-Haessig, known as Joan Gamper in Catalan was a founding member, player and president of Barcelona.
KICK OFF
Finally, off we go! Barcelona get the game started.
Barcelona 0 - 0 Arsenal

Arsenal have enjoyed much of the ball in the opening few minutes, the Gunners are in their yellow away kit as they try to send the ball down the left. Gerard Pique sees the play but Arsenal win a corner.

Barcelona 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
It was Aubameyang who's deflected shot went out of play. Arsenal decide on a short corner but it leads to nothing. 
Barcelona 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
Ousmane Dembele attacks for Barca and cuts inside from the right, but he's stopped dead in his tracks by a strong Arsenal defence. 

Barcelona 0 - 0 Arsenal

There's been no chances of note yet but the movement from both teams has been impressive with Nelson and Semedo showing good awareness off the ball. 

Barcelona 0 - 0 Arsenal

Both sides seem content to patiently build-up their attacks after a period of possession. Barcelona come forward now with Nelson Semedo down the right, Monreal tries to push him out but Semedo continues his run and gets back on the ball.

Riqui Puig then shows some lovely skills in midfield, but his attempted through-pass is blocked on the edge of the box.

Barcelona 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
Rakitic lets one fly but it isn't worthy of noting. It's well wide of goal.  
Barcelona 0 - 0 Arsenal
 
Arsenal look good when they have the ball, do we dare say almost Barca-esque. They keep hold of possession and force Barcelona to shore up their lines, something they've rarely has to do at home.

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