Eduardo da Silva Marks Arsenal Return with Brace

Arsenal 4-Cardiff 0

(FA Cup, Feb. 16, 2009)

Arsenal broke the deadlock against Cardiff with a goal that the whole football community can celebrate. Eduardo da Silva marked his return to the Gunners first team starting and finishing the move to claim the opener.

Just after the half hour it was 2-nil as Nicklas Bendtner headed home a Nasri corner. (First half highlights here.)

A wonderful night for da Silva was furthered early in the second half, as the Croatian was fouled in the box and Eduardo stepped up to convert the spot kick. Arsenal killed the game at the death, the Gunners robbed the ball in midfield, and Bendtner played in Robin van Persie who slotted the ball between the keeper’s legs.

(Longer highlights here, extended ITV highlights here.)

Birmingham 2-Nottingham Forest 0

(Championship, Feb. 14, 2009)

Marcus Bent opened the scoring for the Blues on 62 minutes, before Keith Fahey wrapped the game up and the points with an exquisite first goal for the club 15 minutes from time. Birmingham move up to second.