Messi led cast in Eibar but ensemble deserves plaudits

We look at some of the talking points following Barcelona's emphatic 4-0 win at Ipurua.

Was Barcelona's victory all down to Lionel Messi's display?

It would be criminal to say so and would gloss over the great work done by the team as a whole. The game in Eibar was arguably the encounter in which the 'Azulgranas' have been most in control this season. It was total dominance. They didn't put a foot wrong at the back, pressed effectively and won possession back with ease. When they had the ball, meanwhile, they passed it about quickly and judiciously. Messi was just the icing on the cake.

Did Eibar really compete or did they go into their shells?

We should not read an attitude problem or inhibitions into Eibar's submission. When Barça play the way they did, that leaves opponents with absolutely minimum room to manoeuvre.

Why did Barça seem to be playing in slow motion at times?

The Catalans prioritised controlling the game rather than trading blows with the opposition. They felt it was more important they didn't make mistakes, rather than pouring forward in search of an even wider margin of victory. There are a lot of matches on the horizon and they do not have limitless gas in the tank.

Can Arda only cut it in Andrés Iniesta's position?

This is where he's at his best, certainly. The issue is how much his level can dip when he is given another role. His performance at Ipurua was probably his best for Barça. He went on a few too many runs with the ball but, that aside, did everything right in possession and made a big effort defensively.