Eduardo surprised all when he made a sooner-than-expected return to the first team’s pre-season European tour. 2 goals for the Croatian international, including one from a free kick just before half time. After the final whistle he said, “I needed that match”. So did we. Trust me.
Continuing his pre-season goalscoring onslaught is Nicklas Bendtner, who is playing like a man possessed since the departure of the mostly lazy Emmanuel Adebayor. 4 goals in two matches for the Great Dane. Keep it up, Nicky Boy. We really need you to show your “hidden” talents this season.
One more for RVP, having one late passing shot waved off. Robin seems to be coming out the gate strong as well, which is great to see.
Next up Hannover 96. Stay tuned…

So, I don’t know much about SC Columbia. In fact, even a Google search provided mostly results from the match yesterday against our boys. I couldn’t even find a Wikipedia entry, but, to be honest, I didn’t search that much. I’m not writing this to let you know about SC Coumbia. What I AM writing about here is the fact that Arsenal beat them 7-1. Is SC Columbia terrible, or is Arsenal off to a great start?
The answer is yes to both questions. SC is a lesser team in a lesser league, plain and simple. This is not to disrespect the players or management there, but, in all honesty, there is NO way their 1st team could even compete with our 2nd team. We beat the crap out of them with no contest. Period.
So, okay, on to our boys. Bendtner. Finally, finding the goal, looking confident, got a little swagger about him, even though one was kinda a gimme. Still, chap looked good, and I’m happy to see him get a couple before the season starts. He needs the mental strength going into the season, and I’m stoked to see him fire away and hit the back of the goal.
Ramsey. Fuckin’ hell. Kid played his ass off, created for Bendtner (and likewise). Two goals and he was a force all match. I am happy this kid decided to stick with the Arsenal and not pull a young punk primadonna bullshit move like Bischoff. Welcome to the top flight, son. Do us proud.
RVP. Of course Robin van Persie is going to get goals in a match like this. The only thing that surprised me of his performance is that he didn’t get a hat trick. Still. great show. Lad looks to be in great form, in full strength, happy with new contract and playing up front now with Arshavin and without Adebayor. Is it possible he can score more goals now with the Russian creator and the Togolese striker out of the way? Time will tell.
Bottom line: today was a great warm up for the boys. Good things on the horizon. Especially if Arsene opens the checkbook…

A mostly younger squad was fielded in the friendly with Barnet on Saturday. Additionally, Tomas Rosicky was back in the lineup after being sidelined for over 18 months with injury. Rosicky looked solid despite being a little rusty, which is promising with the 2009-2010 campaign set to kick off in about 3 weeks.
We also were allowed to get our first look at newly-signed defender Thomas Vermaelen. Vermaelen is a welcome boost to the defense after signing in June from Ajax. This top-rated defender also shows promise for the upcoming English Premier League season, as well as the Champions League.

The result of the Champions League semi-final speaks for itself. Fucking gutted.