Da Silva opens his Arsenal account

LONDON, England -- Striker Eduardo Da Silva scored his first goal for Arsenal in a 2-1 win over Lazio in the opening game of the Amsterdam tournament on Thursday.

The Brazilian-born Croatia international, granted a work permit on Wednesday, netted with a fine header from a corner 10 minutes into the second half.

Danish midfielder Nicklas Bendtner had fired the London side ahead but Goran Pandev levelled five minutes before halftime.

In other action, 10-man Ajax Amsterdam struck twice in the second half to beat Atletico Madrid 2-0.

Spaniard Gabri headed home the opening goal early in the second half but was sent off in the final minute after elbowing an opponent.

Wesley Sneijder sealed the home side's victory on the hour with a superb long-distance volley.

Arsenal and Ajax are both in the lead with five points, three for the win and one for each goal scored, and will meet on Saturday.

Da Silva, 24, was signed from Dinamo Zagreb for eight million pounds last month, but Arsenal's work permit application was initially rejected because he had not played in 75 percent of his country's internationals in the last two years.

Although the Brazil-born player featured during Arsenal's pre-season trip to Austria, he was not allowed to play in England until being cleared by the British Home Office.

Now Arsenal's appeal has been successful, da Silva, who is currently in Holland with his team for the Amsterdam tournament, is set to make his Premiership debut against Fulham on August 12.

A statement on the Gunners' website said: "Arsenal Football Club can confirm that this afternoon (Thursday) striker Eduardo was granted his work permit."

Brazil defender Alex has been given the green light to complete his move to Chelsea after being granted a work permit on Thursday.

The Premiership club successfully appealed the British Home Office decision to refuse Alex a permit and he will now fly to England to negotiate personal terms and undergo a medical.

Alex, who has spent the last three seasons at Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, had returned to Brazil earlier this week after his aborted attempt to enter the country.

A Chelsea statement confirmed: "At a hearing today, Alex was granted a work permit. He still has to agree personal terms with Chelsea Football Club and have a medical." E-mail to a friend