Edu ready to make a mark

Edu (left) shows Grimsby's Alan Neilson he's back

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Edu has put a miserable 18 months behind him and is ready to make his mark at Highbury.

The Brazilian marked his return to action with his first goal on English soil for Arsenal as he opened the scoring in the Gunners' comfortable 2-0 win over Grimsby.

As Arsenal moved into the last eight, Edu's confident dispay was another bonus for Wenger, who also saw Martin Keown come safely through his comeback following a rib injury.

Wenger was pleased to see Edu back in action and said: "Everybody is really pleased for him after all the problems he's had.

"We're delighted because he deserve a change of luck.

Hopefully, Edu is on a good way again at last

Arsene Wenger

"We know he has great talent and now, physically, it looks as though he is getting closer to the first team with every match.

"When he came here nearly 18 months ago he was told he did not have the correct passport.

"And when he got the right one a few weeks later and was able to sign for us, he was shattered by the death of his sister in a road accident.

"In his first game for us he pulled a hamstring and had to drop out again.

And when he came back full of fitness in pre-season he broke an ankle.

"Hopefully, he's on a good way again at last."

Mariners' boss Lennie Lawrence

Meanwhile, Grimsby boss Lennie Lawrence warned his players to focus their minds now their Worthington Cup adventure is over.

Grimsby rarely threatened a repeat of their previous round feat when they toppled holders Liverpool at Anfield.

The Mariners now have to concentrate on their league form as they slide alarmingly down the First Division table.

Lawrence said: "I give credit to all the lads for effort but once again we've shot ourselves in the foot by conceding a sloppy early goal.

I'll be demanding a big improvment in basics and if it does't happen then some players are going to be pilloried in public by me

Lennie Lawrence

"That has got to stop and I'll make sure it does or things will get nasty.

"The players have done well and made some money for the club.

"But before and after beating Liverpool our league form has gone to pot and we're down in the relegation positions.

"You know players like Arsenal have will punish you for any errors but we shouldn't be making them in the first place.

"I'll be demanding a big improvement in the basics in both penalty areas against Manchester City on Saturday.

"If it doesn't happen then some players are going to be pilloried in public by me."