A senseless dismissal for Robin Van Persie. A seething response from Arsene Wenger. A public apology from Cesc Fabregas. Beyond all the noise, it’s difficult to deny the quality of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, as Arsenal were again beaten in the Nou Camp to end another Champions League campaign.

Robin Van Persie’s inclusion in the Arsenal lineup was a cause for optimism. With 56 minutes gone in a compelling encounter, that was to melt away as the Dutchman provided the pivotal moment for all the wrong reasons. The red card shown to Van Persie was of course ridiculously harsh – although it must be said that his earlier booking for a hand in the face of Dani Alves, a flashpoint stirred by sheer frustration, was folly on Van Persie’s part given the intensity of the match. While referee Massimo Busacca arguably “killed the game”, the spectacle of Barcelona ruthlessly dismantling Arsenal’s ten-men was still worthy of admiration.

Fantasy Managers will again be concerned of how another key defeat will impact on Arsenal’s season. The fact that one refereeing decision proved so crucial could provide consolation; Wenger has not surprisingly taken every opportunity to focus the actions of the referee, rather than any of his team’s failings on the night.

Van Persie certainly failed to make an impression in his 56 minutes. He was not alone. The same could be said of Cesc Fabregas who returned from injury to make a muted contribution – significant in the main for his errant back-heel which led to Lionel Messi’s masterful finish for the opening goal. It also led to a public apology from Fabregas via Twitter…

“Great support from the arsenal fans. I take full blame for the result tonight. One of the worst moments of my life. I apologise.”

Arsenal’s next opponents are United in the FA Cup. Saturday’s Old Trafford tie will decide whether the Gunners will then face at trip to West Brom in gameweek 30. We need a positive result for either side to ensure that. Should the West Brom trip remain intact, then Wenger will surely be looking to get his title ambitions back on track by fielding his big guns at the Hawthorns. His lineup at Old Trafford will be interesting. On last night’s evidence both Van Persie and Fabregas have work to do on the training ground; the break for the FA Cup should hand them the time to regain sharpness to threaten further Fantasy returns once we resume gameweek action.

Van Persie’s return to fitness confines both Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner, who wasted the opportunity to write himself into Arsenal folklore thanks to a heavy first touch late on last night, to cameo roles. The return of Fabregas meanwhile will offer slight concern to those who turned attentions to Samir Nasri – the Frenchman will surely remain a key figure for Arsenal’s run-in but his role at set-plays will likely diminish. Some rotation with Andrey Arshavin, however infrequent, could also be a factor.

The Gunners could also be without keeper Wojciech Szczesny. Wenger confirmed that the Pole suffered a dislocated finger in the first-half last night and will be assessed later this week. Manuel Almunia’s showing in the Nou Camp will surely put him back in favour and he could now stake a claim for the number one spot for the run-in.