LIEGE // After the all the controversy surrounding his dive, the subsequent ban and then Uefa's decision to overturn it, there was a certain inevitability about Eduardo's match-wining goal against Standard Liege on Wednesday night. The Arsenal striker was available for last night's Group H opener in Belgium only because his club successfully appealed against the two-match ban imposed for diving against Celtic in the second leg of the qualifying tie.
It was the Brazil-born Croatian marksman who had the final word when he stabbed home a corner as the Gunners completed a remarkable comeback, having trailed 2-0 inside five minutes, to triumph 3-2 "It is always inevitable with Eduardo," reflected the Arsenal manager. "He was caught out on the first goal, but he is a guy who can always turn up on crosses - because he has that anticipation." The result will boost morale following two successive defeats in the Premier League to Manchester United and then City last weekend.
"When you are at a big club, you cannot afford to have too many defeats on the trot," said Wenger. "It was important to respond, after being 2-0 down. This will strengthen belief." It had, though, not looked good early on at the packed Stade Maurice Dufrasne. Eduardo failed to clear a corner, and Eliaquim Mangala fired in low strike past rookie goalkeeper Vito Mannone - making his Champions League debut.
Almost immediately, Milan Jovanovic netted from the penalty spot after he was adjudged to have been brought down by William Gallas. However, Arsenal fought back with a well-taken goal from Nicklas Bendtner on the stroke of half-time. Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen bundled in a second-half equaliser, at which Liege complained Alex Song was offside and also handled. Eduardo then completed the turnaround for the injury-hit Gunners - who were without first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and forward Robin van Persie - when he netted from close range.
"We were caught cold by a team who were really ready and started out of the blocks at full power," said Wenger. "To win away from home in the Champions League and score three goals, you know it will be tough. You are in a position where you have to attack with full power, without restriction, and know that the next goal will kill you. "Standard gave absolutely everything. They played like a cup final with full commitment - and they deserve a lot of credit."
* PA Sport