What happened to Eduardo?

Eduardo Da Silva, once one of the best finishers in the premiership. tormentor of England during the infamous Steve McClaren campaign away to Croatia. A striker who drew plaudits and comparisons to the clinical Robbie Fowler.

After that unforgettable afternoon at St Andrews two years ago, many feared Eduardo would never kick a ball again. Fortunately thanks to the staff at the Emirates he was able to make a full recovery. But though fully recovered, there is something missing from the Brazilian born Croatian. When he first returned from his injury he made one of two impressive performances, most notably his volley against Burnley in the FA Cup last year, but after seeing him during the Wolves game, and his previous appearances I like many are wondering if he will ever reach the level he did before he got injured?

The problem seems to be mentally. The effects of the tackle by Martin Taylor appear to have seriously effected his decision making. He also seems to be lacking severely in confidence, which really isn't his fault considering the amount of games he's started. But when he has come on he seems lost. What can be done to fix it?

Maybe Wenger needs to put an arm around him and remind him how good he actually is. Maybe he needs some psychological help, perhaps some counselling. Maybe he is alright but just needs games (I really hope its the latter). Maybe some people think I am overreacting, and maybe I am. But the one thing I do know is that the Eduardo we see now is not the same as he was before. With the imminent arrival of Chamakh, Van Persie coming close to fitness, and the injury time heroics of Bendtner, Eduardo will eventually need to come good, or face being phased out of the Arsenal team.

Derby Day Drama

Manchester United won a dramatic derby over rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford today in the most exciting game of the season so far. City who three times came back to equalise, were beaten by Michael Owens first league goal at home to raise the roof in an action packed game.

United came quick out the blocks and were quickly in front after only a minute and a half, with Wayne Rooney scoring his 5th goal of the season after causing havoc in the six yard area. United were in control at this stage and enjoyed good possession and created a few openings, but were unable to get a second. Then before the 20th minute, a mix up between goalkeeper Ben Foster and Rio Ferdinand after pressure from former United man Tevez allowed Gareth Barry to fire in his 1st league goal. The goal clearly gave City confidence and they began to create chances, with Tevez going closest, hitting the post after good work from Stephen Ireland.

United started the 2nd half just as they started the first and within minutes they retook the lead with Darren Fletcher heading in a Ryan Giggs cross. United again looked in control and were pressing to get the third goal that would seal the game. City had other ideas, and after breaking into the United half, grabbed the equaliser. Craig Bellamy picked up the ball on the left wing, cut in and curled in a superb shot, underlining a clinical edge from City. This spurred United forward again, and after Dimitar Berbatov spurned 3 glorious opportunities to grab the lead, Darren Fletcher scored his second on the 80th minute, again through a Giggs cross with what seemed to be the winner. But an error from Ferdinand allowed Petrov to send a through ball to Bellamy, who raced clear from Ferdinand and slotted home to level the game in the 90th minute. With the game all but finished and with the last attack of the game, Giggs was able to find Owen who slotted home perfectly to down City.

Ronaldo Move Complete

Cristiano Ronaldo today officially completed his move to Real Madrid. The Portuguese winger becomes the most expensive player on the planet with the fee of £80 million paid in one lump sum.

Yesterday Kaka was unveiled to 50,000 awaiting fans. He will be wearing the number 8 shirt, quashing rumours he will be number 5.

Real Madrid today also agreed a deal with French club Lyon for striker Benzima. Reports have indicated that a 6 year deal has been agreed with the player and Madrid, with the clubs settled on a £30 million fee. If the transfer goes as planned, Real Madrids total spent on transfers could exceed £180 million in 22 days.

Ancelotti Takes Charge Of Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti became the 5th Chelsea manager in 2 years after finally sealing a much anticipated move from Italian club AC Milan. Ancelotti who quit Milan on Sunday afternoon, signed a three year deal. He already signalled his intent by declaring he is aiming to win the elusive Champions League for the first time in Chelsea history.

A host of players have already been linked with Chelsea since their arrival of their new coach. French winger Frank Ribery, Spanish & Valencia forward David Villa and Emmanual Adebayor are among players who are reportedly on Chelsea's 'wish list'. It is also been reported that 100million will be available for transfer funds.

Man United Win 18th Premiership

Alex Ferguson claimed his 11th Premiership title with a 0-0 home draw against Arsenal. United went into the game knowing they only needed a point to secure a record equalling 18th title, to level Liverpool's record of being the most successful team in English history.

The game itself had few chances, with Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney both going close with headers in the first half. In the second half, Ji Sung Park had a goal ruled out for offside, and late on Cesc Fabregas hit the post as the nerves settled in for the champions late on.

This was only the second time United had won the title on their home ground, and the home fans were treated to lavish show and parade of the trophy.

Football Round Up

After successful Champions league games for Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, attention turned back to the league and FA Cup semi-finals.

Stoke took a giant step to securing their Premier league status with a hard fought home victory against Blackburn (1-0). It kept up Stokes incredible home form which is almost certain to keep them up as they moved 9 points clear of the bottom three. Blackburn however remain 3 points off safety, hovering in 17th. Middlesborough shared a stalemate with Fulham which did nothing to ease their relegation woes. They still remain 3 points behind Blackburn, whilst Fulham maintain their Europa league push- in 8th.

Aston Villa failed to win again after drawing with West Ham. The villains had taken the lead thanks to Emile Heskey and were a denied a second by the post. West Ham hit back in the 2nd half with Diego Tristan netting for the hammers to make it 1-1. Villa remain without a home league win since January. Portsmouth gained a valuable victory against Bolton at Fratton Park. Kanu grabbed the winner to give Pompey some much needed breathing space between and their rivals (1-0). Sunderland did the same, beating Hull (1-0).

Newcastle plunged further into oblivion with a slender (1-0) defeat to Tottenham. Darren Bent grabbed the winner, but Newcastle had a goal disallowed and chances to level. But the defeat left them 5 points adrift from safety. West Brom remain on the brink of relegation after a spirited performance against Man City (4-2). After going 2-0 down, West Brom fought back to level the game at 2-2, but threw the game away late on.

Chelsea will face Everton in the FA Cup final on May 30th after semi-final victories against Arsenal and Manchester United.

Chelsea defeated Arsenal after going a goal behind to clinch another FA Cup final appearance. Theo Walcott had given the gunners an early lead, but Chelsea fought back levelling with Malouda before half time. The blues mounted the pressure after the break and eventually got the breakthrough via Didier Drogba. (2-1)

Everton defeated Manchester United on penalties to reach their first final since 1995. United dominated the chances and had a penalty appeal turned down. United fielded a young team, starting with Macheda, Wellbeck, and Gibson and resting Rooney, Ronaldo, and Giggs. Berbatov and Ferdinand missed penalties before Phil Jageilka scored the winning penalty.

Premier League Round Up

This week produced the birth of a new star in the Manchester United crop of up and coming youngsters. 17 year old Federico Macheda scored a stunning winner to secure Uniteds first after two defeats. The goal gave United a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, who had earlier taken a deserved lead, coming from behind after Cristiano Ronaldo had given United an early lead. Villa replied with goals from John Carew and Gabrielle Agbonolahor. United seemed destined for a third straight defeat with 10 minutes remaining, but Ronaldo levelled before Macheda turned Curtis Davies and curled in a superb strike, raising the roof of Old Trafford.

Liverpool had been top of the league until Uniteds comeback after beating Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage. The kop hit the woodwork on 4 seperate occasions and looked to have been destined to draw, but a late winner from Youssi Benayoun gave Liverpool 3 points and now leave them a point behind leaders United. Chelsea kept the pressure on Liverpool by ruining Alan Shearers homecoming to Newcastle. The blues scored 2 second half goals from Lampard and Malouda. Arsenal moved 6 points clear of Villa by beating Man City 2-0 at the emirates stadium. A brace from Adebayor on his return from injury secured the points. Cesc Fabregas who also returned from injury assisted both goals.

Stoke City beat West Brom 2-0 to gain a valuable victory in their fight to stay in the premier league. Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie scored the goals. Middlesborough plunged 5 points adrift of safety after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Bolton. Blackburn came back from a goal behind to beat Tottenham 2-1. Wilson Palacios was sent of for Spurs. Hull and Portsmouth played out a stalemate at the KC stadium. Glen Johnson was sent off. Everton closed the gap on Villa to a single point after beating Wigan 4-0. Goals from Jo, Fellani and Osman gave Wigan their heaviest defeat of the season. West Ham beat Sunderland 2-0.