Its payback time, says Eduardo. Group stages- here we come, say Arsenal.

ARSENAL 3-1 CELTIC
Wednesday August 26, 2009
Emirates Stadium, London

Dubiousness may loom large, but for all that Eduardo has gone through, I'm sure he can be excused for the one dive that led to the penalty which he calmly stroked home. I mean, CRY-onaldo has dived millions of times and he's FIFA World Player of the Year. Why can't Dudu dive just once?

On that fateful day in February 2008, Eduardo Da Silva must have been cursing his luck and boiled with rage from inside asking himself, "What have I done to this sport to incur such wrath?" That horrific injury, I'm sure has more of mental scars than physical ones written all over it.

However, a little over 18 months on, we see the striker finding his way back to full fitness when many Pundits and physios wrote his career off. His antics on Wednesday night will no doubt be the hot talk in tabloids, blogs and even word-of-mouth among football fans. Don't get me wrong here, I've always been a big fan of Eduardo, not just for his sharp intelligent game, but also for his attitude and resilience. And yes, that may (or may not, perhaps) been a blatant dive. But for all the cruelty that has been inflicted upon him, I'd entitle him to a dive or two. Besides, who was to say that Celtic looked very very threatening to even come back into the tie otherwise? But for a few flashes of brilliance from Mcgeady (who is my Scottish League God at the moment) Celtic never really looked imposing in the final third to score and frighteningly alter the balance of the tie. And yet again, there arises an argument or two as to whether it was really a dive or not. Maybe Dudu was just trying to avoid contact from the keeper and it was not like he was crying for the penalty to be given. Revenge is best served cold, said Eduardo when he showed he could be cruel to the game too. (Yes, things even out pretty nicely. One, actually make that two more silly antics from Eduardo and I shall admit he is cheap)

Wenger has got it absolutely spot on in his post match press conference when he says, "Is it (diving) acceptable? I have never asked in my life any guy to dive to win a penalty, but sometimes players go down because there is no other way to escape the goalkeeper’s tackle, sometimes they dive. We got a penalty against us two years ago in the quarter final of the Champions League that made the difference when Babel dived. Nobody ever apologised to us, it was a blatant dive and nobody spoke about it." And funny, Cry-onaldo (the world's biggest cry baby, self-explanatory name) who lives to dive on a green turf hardly gets stick from the football fans for his dives, but is recognized more for his outstanding skills and hunger for goals. Similarly, I really think Eduardo's dive (?) should be forgotten and his spirit, resilience and talent should be spoken of more. It was exasperating to hear the Ten Sports commentator talk only of Arsenal's lucky goals over the two legs that proved vital for their progress. Can't he talk about anything else? Narrow minded freak. (Now many of you may think that would apply even to me for writing only about Arsenal and in a still narrower sense, only about the Eduardo controversy last night. So I digress, not for the first time on this blog)

Many a Arsenal fan would have shared laughs with me when they saw where Mr.Eboue, Arsenal's answer to Lionel Messi was starting today's game. The Ivorian has disappointed quite a good number of times when he's played midfield. And last night, in the 4-3-3 formation he showed us that those disappointments would not get to him. Dazzling display (his work ethic and attack play this season has been fantastic) and a well-deserved goal on the night. The real talking point was the relegation of Van Persie and Arshavin to the bench. Signs of Wenger freshening up his squad for the biggies that follow.

The game had a nice early tempo to it. Arsenal were the more physical team with Song tripping or nibbling at the heels of Celtic players all night long, however, kudos to the referee for letting the game flow. It was more or less end to end stuff with Celtic not really getting too close to the Arsenal third, but enthralling many with their approach play. Arsenal (needless to say) enthralled as well, but they created the chances too. Bendtner's shot being parried by Boruc, to fall at the feet of Eduardo. But the legend scuffed his shot wide from what? Like three or four yards? Text book stuff. He would get his reward (not in the best of fashions) a little later though.

Eboue as I had mentioned previously looked extremely sharp and combined really well with the forwards to pull out crisp passing moves. But even at 1-0 on the night (and 3-0 on aggregate) you can never write a fighting Celtic off (especially with their small section of fans making hell a lot of noise, spurring their team on) and we very nearly got a scare when McDonald got the ball into the net, but the flag saved Arsenal on that occasion. And since then, Celtic never really looked like carving out great opportunities to score.

In the second half, Arsenal showed why they are the in-form team in Europe with a brilliant team goal finished off by Eboue early in the second half. Bendtner played a sumptuous backheel to Diaby who then had the composure to unselfishly tee up the Ivorian for Arsenal's second, when the former could have very easily taken a lash at goal himself. Signs of the young squad maturing and better decision-making from the young Guns. Now the spotlight shifts to Eboue. Haven't I been saying this all along? As my friend puts it, he is 'Arsenal's answer to Lionel Messi'. (Couldn't help let out a laugh there) He showed tremendous composure to fake the defender and fire the shot past the hopeless Celtic goalie. And did I mention 'composure' and 'maturity' somewhere up? Well, that's not going to apply for goal celebrations for the Ivorian legend. I mean, what was the need for him to take his shirt off? Absolute jackass. At the end of the day, I'm looking at performances and celebrations are the last things I'd worry about, but still, that was just a thought.

Wenger took off his two goal scorers and brought on 17 year prodigy Jack Wilshere (whom commentators irritatingly confuse with Luke Wilshire a GAZILLION TIMES, annoying) and Russian Messiah Andrey Arshavin. That move paid handsomely as Denilson stole the ball in the middle of the park and Arshavin played a neat one two with another youth prodigy Aaron Ramsey (who is now injured, disaster) before professionally turning his defender to find the back of the net from 12 yards. 3-0. Game-set-match-tie-Arsenal. Having just talked about Eboue's celebrations, lets just go through what our super sub Arsha did. Yes, his trademark "hushing-the-crowd" expression. But that was not what I was referring to. Arshavin seems to be a really focussed player right now and if you noticed, over the past 4 games, 15 goals have flown in and for none of those goals have we seen an overly enthusiastic Arshavin, irrespective of whether he's scored, assisted or simply decided to celebrate with his teammates.

Last night's post goal reactions showed that yet again. No Arsenal player ran to him to celebrate the third. And it wasn't until he got back to his half for the Celtic kick-off that William Gallas gave him a hi-five or two. (hi-ten? Forgive me for that lame attempt at a joke) Does that imply that Arsenal and Arshavin in particular are really focussed and holding back until they win something? Was it because the tie was as good as done and there was no point in celebrating another goal? Or simply, doesn't Arshavin get along with his team-mates on a personal level? (that last possibility is startling) Again, irrelevant. I'd be happy if football prevails at the end of the day. I'm after all an Arsenal fan and not a fan of each and every player's personality and relationships with fellow players.

And as always, we are destined not to have a clean-sheet and with the last kick of the game, Donati scored a brilliant volley for Celtic which half dampened my spirits in spite of assured qualification. But that does not mean Vermaelen and Gallas weren't outstanding. I'm getting the former's personalized Arsenal jersey once I land in UK for sure.

The qualification means that Arsenal are in the elite competition in Europe for the 12th successive season, a feat bettered only by Manchester United and Real Madrid. Proud to be a Gunner!

Saturday is not very far away. The only major injury worries from this game are Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby (whom Wenger emphasizes shouldn't play more than three games a week having just returned from injury) which leaves our central midfield battered. Also, Wenger claims that Fabregas could be short for the United game. Darn. (I pray that's the start of mind-games played by Wengerboy) On the flip side, Rosicky COULD return. No Fabregas, Ramsey and Diaby? Mmhhmm. Leaves only Song and Denilson as established centre mids. Eboue could fit in well with the 4-3-3 formation, judging him from the performance against Celtic. Does that mean we'd see Mark Randall on the bench? Wow. I see we're again going down to the bare-bones. Slowly. So the injury list ahead of the trip to OT reads: Fabregas, Diaby(?), Walcott, Rosicky(?), Nasri, Ramsey, Djourou, Vela and Fabianski. Not good. Not good at all.

However, there is some time for Arsenal to rejoice as they celebrate their entry into yet another season of the UEFA Champions League. The draw for the group stages will be made later today and I can't wait for it.

Not sure if I can say the same for the Old Trafford match, as I'd much rather have these injured players regain fitness and then make the trip. Alas, that ain't a possibility. So I'll accept the game with open arms. Not willing to come out with my prediction either, as it usually is biased and comes more from my heart. (same reason I dont play any of these EPL/UCL fantasy pick-your-side/predict-the-results games)

Hoping for a pulsating clean game of football. (tall order, I know)

Next post on Sunday after the all-important Old Trafford game.

'til then.

P.S: I'm putting in another post-script just for Aiden McGeady. (as I did for the first leg report) He is just brilliant. Hot property, not long before he moves to a bigger club. I can see it happening.

Pompey in ruins- No volcanic eruption this time around though.

ARSENAL 4-1 PORTSMOUTH
Saturday August 22, 2009
Emirates Stadium, London

A rampant Diaby fires in Arsenal's first goal. Hopefully this will be the first of many for Vieira Jr this season.

A Gunner goal fest did it this time around. Arsenal took up the role of Mt.Vesuvius to destroy Pompey comprehensively, although the final score 4-1, many say might have been a touch generous on the away side.

The only major changes to the starting eleven were the exclusion of Sagna and Bendtner, who I'm assuming both picked up slight knocks at Celtic Park (OR) Wenger must have given them a breather ahead of the toughies against Celtic, United and Citeh that follow. Legend Eboue and legender Eduardo Da Silva served as the replacements. Other changes included Gibbs for Clichy and Diaby for Song.

And how Wenger will be thanking himself for that, for it was the splendid assist from the two new starters 'legend' and legender that set up the first two goals, both scored by Vassirikki Abou Diaby. Both were class finishes and the French midfielder would have definitely stamped his authority on the pitch and sent a real statement not just to his boss, but also to the other teams around the league. Seriously, I think Abou's footwork and dribbles are sensational. And for some reason, I keep thinking his tackles are clean as a whistle and 'elegant' to watch. Yes. I know I'll receive some stick for this, but I have always held Diaby in very high regard. Wenger is making no mistake comparing him with former Gooner captain and club legend Patrick Vieira. Anyway not drifting away from the two assist-men, Eduardo pulled off a trademark skill down the left flank hitting the ball on the outside of the defender and running around to it from the inside. (Remember he did the same against Sparta Prague in an Arsenal UCL qualifier a couple of years back?) We saw Eduardo grace us with that trick on another occasion in the game, no rewards though.

About the second assist-maker, is there anything one can really say? I mean, Eboue is legend. Lets just leave it there, shall we? Simple as that. On a more serious note, the Ivorian played a brilliant game at right back (as he has always done. I think its mostly Wenger's fault to play Eboue in creative midfield positions, even though he is not suited to play there) and it was his driving run off an Arsenal counter (hey, I'm loving it now, finally seeing trademark Arsenal counter attack goals after what seems like seasons) that perfectly set things on the plate for Vieira Jr to slot home his second of the game.

And regarding Arsenal's Mr.Reliable (I obviously mean our ex-captain William Gallas, d'oh!) he put in another rock solid performance at the back alongside his new defensive partner, Thomas Vermaelen. That was good to see, needless to say. However, how creative can one get?! Seriously, having scored a goal with his balls, with his back and scuffed the ball into the goal many a time making it seem like the clumsiest of finishes, we can safely say that Gallas now holds the distinction of having scored a goal with maximum body parts possible (yes, he went to the extent of scoring even with his balls) So I don't think there was any shock when he got the ball in off his jaw while attempting to stroke it in with his left foot (perhaps he intended on getting it done with his right, but hit his left instead for all you know)

Aaron Ramsey capped off a fine evening for the Gunners with his first ever goal in the BPL and Arsenal's fourth on the afternoon. That goal was perhaps Van Persie's lone highlight of the game, the Dutchman having a very very quiet ineffective game by his standards. But an assist a night works fine.

There are slight concerns about the injury which Fabregas picked up while darting forward on a brilliant solo run. Wenger is not too sure about the extent of the injury, however it sure is a relief that worst case scenario, his absence is not going to stretch beyond three weeks (I'm just fantasizing, Fabregas out for three weeks, Rosicky possibly back around the same time, both of them come on as subs and score quick fire goals) Darn, I'm blabbering again.

Summary of the game, thoroughly satisfying opening home game of the season. Arshavin looking a little sharper, linking up very well with his team-mates. Diaby exemplary. Van Persie poor. Eboue legendary (heard that one before? And no, I'm serious here. He didn't put a foot wrong) and Almunia shoddy. Definitely more of positives though.

Celtic is up next. Thankfully this is at the Emirates which is going through an Arsenalization phase. I don't see Wenger risking Fabregas ahead of the Old Trafford trip. So that would probably mean a run out for wonderkid Ramsey. And Wilshere? I'd love to see Messi Jr. run around in a Champions League game. Expect a lot of changes for this game, given that Arsenal have a commanding 2-0 lead from the first leg at Parkhead. The tie is not yet decided by any stretch of the imagination, but I cannot be blamed for saying the all-Greens have it all to do.

Next post on Thursday after the Celtic tie. Cheers, Goons.

(I regret the delay in posting this entry. My internet connection was fucdek up beyond all recognition for over 48 hours and I just got it fixed. Cannot wait to access the internet with a wi-fi connection, less than a month to go for that, hurrah)