Beginning of a New Era- The Return of Eduardo da Silva

The second leg of the replay of the 5th round of the FA Cup versus Cardiff is the beginning of a new era. The first leg can potentially mark the end of the rebuilding, trophyless era.
The first game against Cardiff came in a time when we were still 5th, losing points in games like West Ham home. A lot has changed. Now we have Eduardo and Arshavin and are in sight of the return of Cesc, Theo, and Tommy boy.

At first sight, the game marks the comeback of Eduardo.
Before beginning my Obama-esque rhetoric that will piss off a lot of “realist” Arsenal fans who are calling for Wenger’s head, let’s rejoice. Let’s rejoice as Arsenal fans for the return of our fallen comrade, the fox in the box, Eduardo. Let’s rejoice as football fans at the return of a world class finisher who‘s career was almost lost because of a malicious, dirty tackle. Let’s rejoice as human beings for the return of a wounded athlete who’s injury almost cost him his foot not to mention his career. The fox in the box hadn’t played a single game in almost one year, but what a comeback! Two goals before coming off as a substitute just after having a hat trick denied by the keeper: This was a moment that brought tears to many football fans and his comeback is a human triumph.

Eduardo is the first wave of long-term injuries coming back. With Fabregas, Walcott. And eventually Rosicky, Arsenal will enter the new season stronger than in recent teams. By eight weeks time, we could potentially have a squad like this
-----------------[Almunia]---------------------
Sagna---------Toure-----Gallas/Djourou--------Clichy

Arshavin---------Denilson-------Fabregas---------Nasri


------------- Adebayor-----------------Van Persie-----

Fighting for spots on Substitutes and/or Starting 11:
Fabianski
Gallas/Djourou
Denilson
Rosicky
Walcott
Eduardo
Pink Boots Niklas
Vela
Eboue
Song


This squad will be scary. Perhaps a bit optimistic with the injury-free utopia, but imagine. Imagine all the talent! Eduardo will bring the best out of our strikers who underperform and could become a starer, Arshavin, Rosicky, Walcott and Nasri fighting for the wings will just bring us to great form.

Of course, this is assuming we don’t have players exiting and unexpected, unusual injuries occurring again. (You happy, you realists?- or should I assume Wenger gets fired as well?) The fact of the matter is, we are better off as a team emotionally and in numbers with the return of DUDU. The main point is that the club consisting of this XI and bench looks more like a top 4 team than what we were working with at the lower points of the season. At worst it looks as strong as last season’s team. At best, it looks as strong as the Invincible.

Wow.