Eduardo’s experience could be a sign of things to come

As heartening as last night's 5-1 thumping of Croatia was to an England and Arsenal fan, the experience of Eduardo, the Croatian striker who was the only Gunner on display for either side last night, will be of some concern.

Although the 26-year-old scored the visitors' solitary goal, and was one of the few Croatian players to emerge from the game with some credit, the refusal of the Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco to even countenance giving a penalty against England's Glen Johnson for scrambling all over Eduardo in the box is perhaps a sign of things to come.

Since Eduardo went to ground too easily against Celtic two weeks ago in the Champions League play-off to win a penalty that set the Gunners on their way to a 3-1 home win, the Brazilian-born Croatian national has become the focus for scorn and anger against simulation and cheating in the game.

The European football body Uefa responded to criticism led by the Scottish FA on behalf of Celtic, and banned Eduardo for two Champions League matches, a "deeply flawed" decision, according to Arsenal, who are appealing the sanction.

But a more pernicious effect of the controversy surrounding the player's alleged diving appears to have been to give opposing defenders increased protection when they challenge him. Johnson grappled Eduardo to the ground when he was in a prime position to score from Mario Mandzukic's cross, practically putting the Arsenal man in a headlock. But no decision was forthcoming.

It was apparent in the 'Battle of Old Trafford' on August 29 that some teams playing against the Gunners now feel they have a carte blanche to muscle Arsenal players off the ball by whatever means. It seems likely that some referees will need to have a smoking gun before they even consider granting a penalty in favour of Arsenal players. One strand of Arsene Wenger's paranoia looks to have been vindicated. ·