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.

Rest in Peace Sir Bobby, Daniel Jarque (and Everton?)

EVERTON 1-6 ARSENAL
Saturday August 15, 2009
Goodison Park, Merseyside

Fabregas (Jarque's fellow footballer) and Emmanuel Eboue (Jarque's best friend for life) pay tribute to the late Espanyol skipper

We witnessed the tribute to a legend (Sir Bobby) before the match, one to a promising young leader (Daniel Jarque whose life was cruelly snatched away) during the match. And in truth, we should have paid tribute to the opposition after the match. They were brutally murdered.

On a serious note (hey, the final statement up there was no exaggeration though) spare some thought for the Everton players. We are talking of a quality side with the likes of Cahill, monster Fellaini (whose hair would really account for half his height), Pienaar, Osman plus also Champions League and multiple-time league winner Phil Neville. I am guessing it just wasn't their day. Knowing the Toffees very well over the seasons, I know they are more than capable of grinding out 2-0 or even 3-0 victories over the top sides in the league. Something must have gone astray with their plans. Whether it was about Everton being all uneasy over Mark Hughes' doggedness to lure Lescott to Citeh , whether it was down to their missing giant at the back (Jagielka) or their attacking options (Arteta, Yakubu, Anichebe) or whether it was simply a case of Arsenal being way too rampant is still unclear. But its a little too late to delve into that.

Having paid my respects to Everton FC, I think its time I start applauding the Gunners here. The pre-season was all about pundits writing Arsenal off (don't get me wrong, they could still be right) and in the more immediate future insisting that Arsenal didn't have a rat butt of a chance in their opening few games (comprising of Herculean trips to Goodison Park, Glasgow, Old Trafford and City of Manchester Stadium). Arsenal have cleared the first hurdle quite convincingly.

What I could gather from the first few minutes was that the Gunners were still looking shaky and a tad bit rusty (especially Arshavin who was struggling to run past defenders with ease, which he usually does so well) and their passing rhythm just wasn't there. In spite of all these constraints, I could still see a self-actualized Bendtner. The lad probably played his best Arsenal game last night. And even though he wasn't among the goals or the assists, much credit should go to him for his industrious play last night. I wonder if Bendy's performance had anything to do with him having seen a screamer scored by a certain player at Ewood Park only a couple of hours before kick off at Merseyside. Yes. Thanks a ton, Ade!

We had to wait for over fifteen minutes to see crisp passes being sprayed around by Arsenal after which we saw a temporary spell of Everton domination.

And then ECSTASY. Denilson's goal (not surprisingly inspired by Saint Nicklas' brilliant play down the right wing) came from nowhere really. A screamer. The Brazilian wonderkid has always been an enigma to me. He started the last season really well and faded off midway when injuries took their toll on other squad players. Once the ball flew into the net, I knew that Arsenal would get their confidence back. But I would never have bet in a million years for their second and third goals to come from set-pieces. Vermaelen seems to be a major attacking threat from corners and free-kicks. Not just his attacking prowess, even his defensive stance really dazzled me (and his fellow players too, I am sure). It was really amusing to watch an all-Belgian battle brewing with the former Ajax captain jumping all over Fellaini's back. In truth, I wouldn't expect more from Vermaelen there. Come on, for god's sake, that's Fellaini.

It was evident that the second half of the game would be more of a stroll. And a stroll in the park it was. I was delighted to see the Arsenal captain score two of the finest before he left the field- a well-deserved breather before his venture out on Tuesday in Glasgow. It was not Cesc's goals that stood out. Both were Cesc-esque (hey, that rhymes). No element of surprise there. It was the tribute he paid to the late Espanyol centre back Daniel Jarque by holding up a jersey bearing the late Spaniard's number (21) which would have moved many a person. (but hold on, what the hell was Eboue doing there, holding the shirt too?! He seems to be the first Arsenal player to run to the goal-scorer and celebrate the exact same way the scorer does. Talk of adaptability. He is at least adaptable there, thank God for that)

Fabregas also seems to be an extremely level-headed person. "Well we wanted to win, for us this is a good start but let's face it we are not going to win 6-1 every day. Its just one game, we won 6-1, one day they beat us 3-0, football is like that", he explains in the post match press conference. He is also one who never looks back. I'm not so sure if he was indirectly taking digs at Adebayor and Toure when he said, "They clearly had their problems with Arsenal. It was best they left us because we want only committed players who feel the sense of belongingness and togetherness." Haha. He sure is one hell of a captain too! (I'd love to see the quotes Andrey comes up with, if he is entrusted with the captain's armband, but no thanks, I'll stick with things the way they are)

This post just wouldn't be complete without the panegyrist in me being unleashed to commend Eduardo Da Silva for his brave recovery and his well deserved goal. (Sigh, how I wish Rosicky broke a leg too) The Crozilian is one of the few people out there on this big blue marble who has managed to get me on the verge of tears not once, not twice but THRICE (at the time of his injury, his comeback match and now his comeback in the Premiership after over 18 months) A truly remarkable success story. If I try to write anything more about the grittiness and insatiable hunger of the legend (I think he already is one, in my opinion, and even if not for his football, at least for his attitude) I'm sure there is going to be some salty discharge from my eyes. So I digress.

On the whole, this was the perfect start to the season. 6-0, for some reason would have put me in a state of euphoria, but I'll take a 6-1. As one of my fellow Gooners had rightly said on facebook, the goal Arsenal conceded had more of an 'Indha, vechuko' (here, take one goal, bud. That's alright. Poor you's) attitude written all over it. Hopefully we get that attitude out too. Sometimes being nice is not all that good. These are still early early times. 37 more fantabulous rounds of football left. Only at the end of that am I willing to let all my emotions out. (be it anger, anguish, ecstasy, surprise/shock)

Before I end this post, I'd like to touch upon just a couple of things. FIRST, Alexandre Song, no matter how we crucify the dude for his inability to play forward passes and the minor tremble we can see in him whenever he is on the ball or for that matter even his clumsy fouls and touches- he is our rock this season. Improving game after game. Let us face it. He had an outstanding game last night and one must have wondered, did Cahill and Neville run off the field after the first minute or so? Well, they most certainly must have, after the final whistle.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I can't help but fall off my chair while writing this. Eboue taking corners?! God, what is the world coming to? That was quite a sight.

The Gunners didn't just chew on the Toffees last night, but swallowed them. And when you swallow something, you generally don't get the taste like you do when you bite and chew. So I am praying Arsenal did not get the sweet taste of victory, which can often lead to the complacency factor creeping in. They should really consider this as a means to the end and not the end itself. The end is far far away.

Parkhead beckons now. Definitely a tougher game on the cards.

'Til then.