Nearly a year to the day that his career almost ended, Eduardo made a goalscoring return as Arsenal beat Cardiff 4-0.

Quite simply, as soon as Eduardo’s name appeared in the starting XI, Monday’s encounter became more about the return of a hero than the chance to reach the FA Cup fifth round.

A year ago, the Croat was left wondering if he would ever kick a ball again. Just 20 minutes into his return, Eduardo looked like he had never been away as he sparked an easy Arsenal victory. One simple lay-off, one small leap, one huge goal that lifted the roof off Emirates Stadium. Eduardo was back.

15 minutes into the second half he added a penalty, which he won, before being replaced to a standing ovation from every spectator inside the ground. Even Robin Van Persie…for once…was completely overshadowed.

Eduardo’s neat flicks, intelligent movement and technical build-up play gave Arsenal a pivotal point from which to build. By half time they would lead 2-0 thanks to a Nicklas Bendtner header…a lead that would be doubled by full time as Van Persie added to Eduardo's second.

Having been the better side in the original Ninian Park encounter, Cardiff arrived in North London in surprisingly shell-shocked fashion. Not for one minute did they threaten to cope with Arsene Wenger’s superior technicians.

It took all of 180 seconds for Bacary Sagna to hit the right byline and deliver a perfect cross to the back post, where Bendtner got the better of Roger Johnson (not for the last time), but on this occasion his header looped wide.

Eduardo was not showing a hint of rustiness – no doubt buoyed by the hero’s welcome he got from the home crowd. His first response was a delicious volleyed pass carved towards Carlos Vela, who broke at pace to force a fine double save from Tom Heaton as Bendtner swooped unsuccessfully for the rebound.

Big-money signing Andrei Arshavin watched on, no doubt impressed, from the bench – but it was Heaton who deserved the big bucks as he worked overtime to foil the towering William Gallas at the back post.

Arsenal were camped on the edge of the Cardiff box, a goal was inevitable. So was the identity of the goalscorer.

Releasing Vela on the overlap, Eduardo never stopped moving…darting into the near post to head home the Mexican’s clever dink. 350 days of agony…forgotten.

Providing the foil to Eduardo was the erratic figure of Nicklas Bendtner, sometimes so full of promise, yet often so very very frustrating. He showed both traits before the end of the half.

First came the goal, the trademark towering leap to power home a near post header for 2-0. Superb English centre-forward play.

Then came the moment of hilarity, overshadowing a sumptuous piece of control by Vela in the build-up. Vela’s shot fell to Bendtner who, from all of five yards managed to miss…TWICE… hitting the post and then straight at Heaton. A talking point for the half-time pasties no doubt.

More frustration would follow the Dane after half time too as Heaton’s feet once again came to Cardiff’s rescue, but they only served in keeping the score down for a matter of seconds as Arsenal won a penalty.

Once again it was time for Eduardo, bundled over by Gavin Rae, to take centre stage as the crowd insatiably chanted his name. Arguably the coolest customer Arsenal have in front of goal, The Gunners’ number nine sent the keeper the wrong way…Arsenal had booked their place in round five.

All that was left was for Van Persie to add the gloss of a fourth, ramming under Heaton from Bendtner's pass...and suddenly the road to silverware looks hugely attainable for Wenger's men.

With a home tie against Burnley and another potential home tie against Sheffield United or Hull standing between Arsenal and an FA Cup semi-final, who would back against Eduardo enjoying an even greater fairytale return yet?

For now Arsenal will settle for the sight of their number nine banging in the goals once more…The Gunners finally have their out-and-out striker back. Premier League watch out.

STAR MAN: Eduardo 9.5* A striking display of pure class. You cannot help but smile at the fact this man is back in The Premier League.  Click here for our exclusive player ratings and match stats.