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Eduardo marks return with double strike

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Eduardo da Silva scored twice on his return to competitive football after nearly a year on the sidelines as Arsenal FC comfortably beat second-tier side Cardiff City FC 4-0 at home to progress to the FA Cup fifth round.

Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva celebrates scoring against Cardiff
Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva celebrates scoring against Cardiff ©Getty Images

After nearly a full year out of action, Eduardo da Silva marked his return to competitive football with two goals as Arsenal FC comfortably defeated second-tier side Cardiff City FC 4-0 at home in an FA Cup fourth round replay.

Successful return
Eduardo had not played for Arsenal since 23 February when he suffered compound fractures of the tibia and fibula in a Premier League game against Birmingham City FC. However, the 25-year-old had returned to action for Croatia's friendly win against Romania last Wednesday and Arsène Wenger put him in the starting lineup for the postponed replay against Cardiff.

Convincing display
The Gunners started strongly and visiting goalkeeper Tom Heaton had already made a string of excellent saves before Eduardo gave the hosts a 20th-minute lead. The striker released Carlos Vela down the left before surging into the area to meet the Mexican's precise cross and head in. Nicklas Bendtner then nodded in from a corner to double the advantage. Eduardo scored his second on the hour mark after winning a penalty and successfully converting it, before the Brazilian-born forward was substituted midway through the second half. Robin van Persie scored Arsenal's fourth and his club will now welcome Burnley FC in the fifth round.