So the champions league draw has been made and we are pitted against Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga and Partizan Belgrade. While not taking anything for granted I think we can say the draw has been fairly kind to us, the trip to Ukraine aside. Having said that Braga have put in some good performances recently having thrashed Celtic and knocked out Sevilla.
The highlight of the group has to be the return of Eduardo to the Emirates, where I'm sure he will get a great reception. I thought he was a great player, and was just starting to break through into the first team when he got that injury. I particularly remember a two goal brace against Blackburn away that got us out of trouble that day with the game ending 4 - 2 (actually we could do with some of that this weekend!). It was such a shame that he effectively had his Arsenal career finished by a reckless tackle. He did show some signs that he could get back to his best immediately after returning from injury, but then came the diving scandal which was blown up out of all proportion by this country's ridiculous media. Compare that to the reaction in the media to Defoe's handball against Young Boys (at the same stage of the competition) where they virtually laughed it off and you start to get an idea of the huge favouritism afforded to English players in the media. Anyway, after that Eduardo seemed to lose confidence and a yard of pace and in the end it was no surprise when he was sold on in the summer. It will be good to see him back...
In other news the signing of Sebastian Squillaci has been confirmed. He is 30 years old which is a good age for us and comes with experience of champions league and 20 caps for France. I think he will add a bit more depth to the squad which can only be a good thing. It remains to be seen if he will become first choice over Koscielny, but there are plenty of games in a season so I'm sure we'll see him feature soon. From what I have heard he is a ball-playing centre back who also has a few goals in him so should fit right in. His experience in Europe should be useful when playing tough champions league away games, where naivety cost us last season. Overall it looks like a decent signing at first glance.
Anyway, let's hope for a good result (and strong referee) against Blackburn, and someone to invoke the spirit of Eduardo to score a couple and grab us the win... that would set up the bank holiday nicely : ) The transfer window closes Tuesday afternoon as well so expect some frantic activity soon.... hopefully involving a goalkeeper........
Mr F
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