It's done. It's finally done. Cesc to Barcelona is finally done.

[MrCoffee]

Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty, we are free at last of this stupid "saga" taking valuable ink away from Liverpool's return to glory. Suck it, Arse-nal.

In related news, dozens of football rumor website creators commit mass suicide upon realizing they have wasted two years of their lives blathering about this.

[many a good man]

1. Agreed. Hope he doesn't mind riding the bench.

Signing Cesç is an extravagance done for sentimental reasons only. He'll never take over for Iniesta or Xavi. When Xavi's down (like now) I want to see young Thiago on the pitch. He's the next Xavi - best in the world. Cesç better not take away any playing time from Thiago.

The best option is to play him somewhere else. Look at this link for some possibilities: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/748020-fc-barcelona-where-will-cesc-fbregas-fit-in-bara-4-possible-starting-xis/page/5 . This analysis doesn't even show Thiago or the other new arrival, Alexis Sanchez who is expected to start. Sanchez is a great dribbler with amazing speed, but he has to discipline himself to play the Barça style or he'll become a detriment.

Money would have been better spent beefing up the thinning back line. When will Capitan Carles get healthy again? And how long can he stay healthy? That's Barça's biggest vulnerability, IMO.

[Upton]

2. As an Arsenal supporter..

I say good riddance. It's not as if he was responsible for any trophies...and all Cesc did last year was ride the bench injured and sulking when he wasn't busy gift wrapping goals for Barca in the CL..

[Upton]

3. Hmm...Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland

at Anfield no less. Looks like that "return to glory" has been put on hold...

[MrCoffee]

4. I'm willing to give the new boys a few games to settle in

Jose Enrique, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing all debuted today. Speaking of Charlie Adam, he was sparkling in the first half.

If they can sign another defender, they will be a force to be reckoned with. Check that, when they sign another defender. John Henry is doing everything right. It's only a matter of time.