Off-topic: Birmingham 2 Arsenal 2 (The draw that never should have been)

Today was a very bad day. First, Martin Taylor decided to inflict the usual strategy against Arsenal: "kick them off the pitch." He did so. Literally. Eduardo da Silva was stretchered off with his shin bone coming out of his socks (picture below). Disgraceful. Wenger's right: Taylor should be banned from the game for life. As it stands, it looks bleak as to whether 25-year old Eduardo will ever be able to play again.

Such was the day. It happened in the third minute of the game and completely dampened Arsenal's mood for the first half, when Birmingham put a ball in the net near the end of the half. After the half, however, the team came alive and Walcott drilled home his first two Premiership goals.

Taylor snaps Eduardo's leg

Arsenal looked to be in cruise control to take home the win and maintain its five-point lead over Manchester United. But it wasn't to be.

Adebayor selfishly shot when he should have passed to the (admittedly obnoxious) Bendtner. That goal would have sealed the victory. There were also a number of chances that went begging as Hleb and Fabregas wrongfully chose to pass away several opportunities in or near the edge of the box that really should have been rifled at the net.

Even so, the game was won...until Clichy, normally so diligent, strolled for a ball that even a saunter would have collected. Birmingham collected the ball, Clichy panicked, and ended up tackling the Birmingham player in the box. No, it shouldn't have been called a penalty - Clichy collected all of the ball and little of the player. But in such circumstances it's not surprising the ref gave the penalty kick, which Birmingham scored.

A very, very frustrating match. The game should have been Arsenal's. As it stands, Eduardo is out for at least the rest of the season and Arsenal are looking like they're chasing second place rather than commanding first place. Manchester United decimated Newcastle - Arsenal simply cannot give up such easy points and expect to hold off United.

[tcardone05]

Almost as frustrating as a Liverpool loss to Barnsley then a 2-0 win over Inter. Strange days in England.

As a Croat, I followed Eduardo's career while he was still playing in Dinamo Zagreb. Although I wasn't their fan, I always had the utmost respect for Eduardo, and not only because he's a good striker, but because he's simply a good and decent youngster. Eduardo is a perfect example of the good old school of sportsmanship. It's such a shame that such bad things happen to good people.

[PACSferret]

The incident will undeniably resurrect the debate about sportsmen' relative immunity from the law. Should this be subject to prosecution? Perhaps.

[foxtom]

A lot of the punditry here in England are saying it's OK " because it wasn't two footed." That is outrageous. Having said that, I don't think that Taylor should be banned for life. This has been waiting to happen for some time. There is a cultural problem in English football now where that kind of play, the "kick 'em off the pitch" style, has become acceptable. The above photo shows how high T*yl*r's foot was. It needs to be clarified that from now on, a tackle like that would earn one a season long ban. It is outrageous that it should only qualify for a three match ban, the same as one would get for a gentle headbutt on the chest or a clip round the ear or a swing of the handbag....