An interesting thought struck me as I was watching the lads demolish Burnley on Saturday (great match that). Right after Eduardo scored our goal of the season I realised just what this man brings to the team. And then, looking back on the last year, I realised that Eduardo doesn't just bring classy finishing, but he also holds the key to our passing style of play.Now wait just one minute you may be saying, what about Cesc Fabregas, "Fab 4"? Isn't he the glue that keeps this team playing well? Isn't he the one who always comes up with the perfect pass, the pass with vision that cuts teams apart? Well, in answer to the last two questions, yes. But I don't think he is the one who holds this team together, and judging by this, if he ever did leave us for Barcelona, I think we would survive.
Before I get pelted by hate mail and called a scandalous writer, let me explain what I mean. Look at the space of time from December 2007 up till now. In December '07 into February '08 we were on top of the world. Leading the Premier League and scoring goals for fun, we looked sure to win a trophy. But then on that fateful day at St. Andrews it all went horribly wrong. Eduardo was literally assaulted on the pitch and was ruled out for at least a year (if not his entire career as originally feared).
After that we began to fade away and the title slipped from our grip. Our flowing football slowly evaporated, and not only did we end last season badly, we started this in terrible fashion. And in fact by February of this year many gooners, including myself, felt that our style of play and ability to get results had so diminished that we were nothing anymore.
But then against Cardiff City, for 90 amazing minutes we were treated to a return to the Arsenal of old. It was nostalgic and emotional, and it very coincidentally (or perhaps not as we'll see in a minute) happened to coincide with Eduardo's return. He scored two goals that night but was injured for two weeks. Those two weeks saw another dip in form back to how we were playing before, and not even the win against Roma was quite as magical as Cardiff.
And then Saturday Eduardo returned again, the style returned again, and Eduardo again scored, making it 3 goals in 2 games he's played for us this season. We dominated the game, and no disrespect to Burnley, they played well, but we made them look pathetic: just like we used to do against Premier League opposition before Eduardo's injury.
Now I'm not sure if it's Eduardo's style of play or just his aura, but something happens when he plays for us: we win with style. So perhaps one way or another, Eduardo is the key to our passing style, the style we are so renowned for but have recently been unable to produce. And maybe a return to this style will signify great things for us this season, including a return to our form of old.
Remember, we're still in the running for the F.A. Cup and the Champions League, and even fourth place in the Premier League. And maybe with Eduardo back and the team playing with panache once again, we can win something this season. Let's start with Roma. Until then, don't forget, you can get all the Fab 4 Arsenal news and views sent direct to your mobile phone for free, please Click Here for details on how to try out this great service!
Fab 4
Posts
Sure Eduardo complements our vision beautifully, but why does it have to be an either/or situation: it takes two to make a pass, and a team to score a goal.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubting Eduardo. He is highly motivated, supremely skilled, and unbelievably unselfish.
True, Dudu has made our game in the final third work, hes given it a higher level of mobility and creativity, more so than Bendtner and hes scoring goals. But, you give little credit to the new look midfield with Arshavin and a revitalized Diaby and Song, not too mention Nasri, and a decent Eboue.
Cesc is no less important, skilled, and tenacious. Though his job in the team, is not to score goals, but rather to direct play. RVP recently said what's been said before, hes the heart beat of the team, the one who controls the rhythm and settles things.
You better believe it, if things are looking good right now, Cesc can only make it better. Your argument that one of the players brings more to the table than the other holds no water.
wait a sec, the blogs name is fab4arsenal! Hmm, You might have to change that huh? heh
ReplyDeleteNickname,
ReplyDeleteI don't really believe either Fabregas OR Eduardo are better than the team. And no, I don't think either one makes the team by themselves, but I do believe that Eduardo brings a confidence and linking of play between midfield and attack that has not existed for a long time this season.
There is a definite connection between Eduardo playing and us scoring 7 goals in his two games. Whatever it is that he adds to the team changes it, and this doesn't take away anything from anyone else on the team.
Is he better? Probably not. Is he soley responsible for the team playing well? No. But this season and right before he got injured, he was the spark of confidence and imaginiation that allowed and allows us to play so well.
Fabregas is still my favourite player, but you can't ignore that magic that comes with Eduardo!
Fab 4
wait, you people are just domestic creamers. Eduardo is excellent yes. a perfect come back from injury with more goals in the bag.
ReplyDeletebut you are comparing him to the guy behind all the italian teams demolition so far. my best midfielder in Europe last year!!!
cesc is surely the heart, but he couldnt do it alone. not even ribery could help a bysmal france
Thing is, with Eduardo on pitch, the team is less gittery about getting a goal as they trust they have a guy who'll need just one chance to get a goal. With other strikers on pitch they aren't as assured and look at doing more than their designated tasks require.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Eduardo and this team is going to be MASSIVE next season! Here's for the champion's league at the very least this year.
Those were indeed against 'lesser' teams in which Eduardo was dispatched. Yet, no one can deny the obvious super genius that he possesses. The cross-field pin-point first-timer volley pass to Vela against Cardiff is at least on par with the 'beach goal' technique. Mentally I've not seen many tougher than him. From sleeping in the snow at Zagreb as a teenager to defying the laws of injuries, this guy is more than a miracle.
ReplyDeleteWhereas Fabregas already has at least 25% of his heart and soul and mind in the Nou Camp. I'd take Eduardo anytime.
U know what..i cud'nt go beyond th first couple of paras..get a life n stop wasting ur time by digging out holy shit cause its not worth it..!!have better things to do..
ReplyDelete