Former
Arsenal outcast Nicklas Bendtner was given a shock start by manager Arsene
Wenger for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Hull City. The news of the move to start the Denmark
international was not initially received well by fans (to say the least);
however, something strange happened soon after the opening whistle. Bendtner scored within two minutes of the
match starting. The Dane, who was
supplied by a superb cross from defender Carl Jenkinson, scored a header from
close range to put the Gunners up 1-0.
Bendtner
went on to play 72 minutes on Wednesday and was treated with a round of
applause by Gunner fans as he was substituted for Theo Walcott. The 25-year-old Bendtner, who last played a
significant amount of time for Arsenal during the team’s Capital One Cup loss
to Chelsea on October 29th, played a decent game, but did look to
run out of steam because of lack of match fitness.
Afterwards,
Bendtner spoke to Arsenal Player about the match.
“It was a fantastic feeling (to score).
I think my celebration showed that.
It was a fantastic cross. I just
said to him 'Carl if you get chance put it to the back post' and it happened to
be on the first ball so it was quite funny.
We had a little laugh about that.”
The
Dane went on to say, "It's been difficult for the players who have not
been in the team because we have had such a great form and the players who have
played have been magnificent. This way
we play now, it looks like everyone who comes in takes it in his stride and
goes with it. There were some changes
but everyone did really well.”
It
has been widely reported that the Gunners will be looking to add another
striker to the squad during January’s transfer window, and there have been
plenty of names reportedly linked to Arsenal so far (Pato, Morata, Benzema,
etc.); however, could the Gunners stick it out with Bendtner serving as the
team’s backup plan to Giroud?
Wenger
has showed he has faith in Bendtner, exemplified by the Dane starting Wednesday’s
match when fellow forward Theo Walcott was healthy and available on the
bench. With Arsenal having potentially
12 matches to play before the January transfer period ends, Bendtner could have
plenty of chances to show what he can bring to the squad before Wenger has to
make a decision on whether to dip into the market or not.
Another
card Wenger could play is to have Lukas Podolski (currently injured, but
returning to full training tomorrow), or the aforementioned Theo Walcott deployed
at center forward when Giroud needs a rest.
Both Podolski and Walcott are usually utilized on the wings; however,
both players would love a chance to play their favorite position at center
forward. The next few weeks will most
likely determine Arsenal’s activity in the upcoming transfer window.
Written by: Chris Moore (@ChrisMoore32)
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This content was produced exclusively for ZachAFC.blogspot.com and can be reproduced with attribution, please.
