Reserves 2-0 Portsmouth – Eduardo is Back. 17 December, 2008

I don’t know about you, but that photo makes me very happy. To see Eddy back again, playing football in an Arsenal shirt means a lot. The day he picked up that injury was a very emotional day but it seems a long time ago now – it is now time for Eduardo to come back and show us he’s still got it. If you want to see more of these heart warming photos click here.

The Croatian striker got 45 minutes in a ‘Carling Cup’ style reserves side and was taken off at half time as a precaution. He said after the game that he felt something in his hamstring but I am assured that this is quite normal for a players first game back after a long absence. I think the original plan was to only give him the first half anyway to be honest.

If you read the blog yesterday, you’ll know I went along to watch the reserves and support Eddy on his return. And a lot of other fans did the same; I think it was the busiest reserve game I’ve been to. The whole West end of the stadium was full, so was the entire new South Stand and a portion of the East terrace was packed out. Some of the stars of the past had turned out too, in the box up to my left I could see Dennis Bergkamp, Steve Bould and of course Portsmouth manager, Tony Adams. It looked like there was a nice little reunion going on up there.

So, the game. As I said, it was a fairly familiar team so I was expecting a decent display. However the Pompey reserves had not come just to make up the numbers and were making a game of it. We found it hard to get through on goal and at time resorted to long-range shots. With half an hour gone we got the first proper chance when Wilshere showed his quality putting Simpson through but his shot went into the ‘keeper.

Eduardo had been showing his quality when he was given the chance and his skill was summed up just before the break. He took the ball out wide driving inside past a couple of defenders before curling a ball towards the far bottom corner. The ‘keeper just got fingertips on it though to divert it onto the post and wide. It would’ve been the perfect end to Eduardo’s first 45 minutes back to football but it wasn’t to be.

At half time Amaury Bischoff replaced Eduardo and his quality up front was missed. There was no one really clinical enough up front to take the ball down and create danger so there was a lot of support from the midfield going forward.

We kept going though and did everything we could to force a goal. The reserves side were very similar to the 1st team in the way they passed and passed it around the box avoiding shooting. This caused a very crowed box and it was very hard to find a pass in there.

The first goal came with 10 minutes to go when Merida proved a great through ball for Randall who finished well into the corner. A decent goal and one that was long overdue.

We killed the game off in stoppage time when Gibbs struck a long range shot firing right into the back of the net. No chance for the Portsmouth ‘keeper and I bet the left back wont score a goal like that again.

So 2-0 on the night, but the real result was another step towards Eduardo’s rehabilitation. He had a decent half, did everything that could’ve been expected of him in a reserve comeback. He wasn’t sprinting all over the pitch, he just did what was needed and applied nice touches when he had the chance. A promising start for him.

A quick mention of some other players from last night. I very impressed with Francis Coquelin who was playing in the unfamiliar position of right back. He was very determined, extremely committed and looked really quick. He performed really well considering he’s usually a central midfielder – reminded me a lot of Flamini when he was forced to play left back in 2006.

It was Ramsey’s first appearance for the reserves and he had a decent game, he looked like a senior player dictating the youngsters’ play, it was strange to think he only turns 18 on Boxing Day. He was combining really well with Jack Wilshere who had another good game. You just watch him and you know this kid is something special. He has a very exciting future ahead of him.

I better wrap this up…You can read the reserve manager, Neil Banfield’s thoughts here. I really enjoyed last night, it’s been a while since I’ve gone to see the reserves and it was well worth it.

Thanks for reading.