Especially with me being a Gunner fan, I’m looking forward to this Arsenal/ManU game more than any other so far.  More than the AC Milan/Inter derby, more than Christano Ronaldo’s Madrid bow, more than any Champions League qualifying.  This is where we see what Arsenal is really made of this year.  There’s been a lot of grumbling and murmurs that Wenger has lost it at the Emirates, and won’t buy just because he doesn’t want to spend.  He’s set himself up to be either a genius or a madman…no middle ground.  They’ve had a very impressive start to this campaign in both the league, and in Europe.  This, however, will prove to be the stone over which the players with either prove themselves, or break themselves in the perceptions of everyone not a Gunner.  I can’t wait.

Speaking of Arsenal in Europe, I’m a bit flummoxed by this decision to charge Eduardo with simulation by UEFA.  I’ve seen the replays, and will definilty say that the referee got it wrong.  I don’t believe that was a penalty.  No argument there.  But to come out and openly call Eduardo a cheat is another thing, and that’s exactly what UEFA are doing by deciding to charge him.  I’m no cheat, but I’ve gone to ground without being touched in situations with goalkeepers because I didn’t want to 1) get hurt or 2) hurt the other guy.  And anyone who has seen Eduardo’s collision from two seasons ago where he broke his leg cannot blame him for avoiding contact in a head-to-head situation.

Here’s the replay:

Here’s Wenger’s thoughts on the topic (notice I didn’t need to use any words like “rant” or “furious” to introduce this!):

For anyone still not convinced, here’s Eduardo’s injury from the ‘o7/’08 season:

What do you think?