After Hulling Liverpool at the weekend, the Tigers had a date with the smoking gunners at the emirates with high confidence. Wenger had to rotate his Army with Nicklas Bendtner starting for the first time in the Premier League for Arsenal in over 2 years. 1005 days ago.
Wilshere, Walcott and Arteta started from the bench with Jenkenson and Gibbs filling up for injured Sagna and resting Gibbs. Giroud had to watch his 1st deputy Bendtner from the bench too.
It took Bendtner 2 minutes to make an impact in his first Arsenal start in ages. A cross from Jenkenson was classically headed in by the Great Dane. Relief for the Dane, a way to tell the fans that he has it all.
The Tigers were tamed by the Dane’s goal and Arsenal looked like scoring innumerable goals but Bendtner fluffed a chance, and the shots kept sailing high.
2 minutes into the second half Ramsey Ozilled ozil and Ozil ramseyed. A reverse pass converted by the German Lord. Home and dry. Chances were fluffed as the Arsenal failed to increase their tally. The defence kept their part of the bargain snuffing any tiger from Szczesny.
Points From The Game:
1. Early to score, Early to bed
Bendtner’s 2nd minute strike was a blow to Hull City who had come to the Emirates riding on the wings of their triumph over Liverpool. The Gunners were in cloud 9 with that goal and the desire to add another was so visible, even though none was converted in the first half. Ozil’s 47th Minutes goal was a final blow. For the both goals, the team were yet to settle and we had struck while the metal is hot. When we score such early goals in various halves, we can enjoy the beautiful game without fear of being a goal down at any time.
2. One Start, One Goal, One Bendtner.
His first premier League start, his first League goal in ages. In 90 seconds, he did his interview on the pitch instead of with some Journalist that wanted the worst of him. He silenced his critics, though not all, especially after missing a chance. He may have gotten into folklore if he had converted a hattrick against Hull. In 4 games against Hull City, He scored 3 goals. Hull wouldn’t like to see Bendtner on the opposition, neither will Bruce.
Bendtner did everything simply without fuss or elaboration. His passes were quick and he is a big threat in the box, more than Giroud. He may not have the Flick-ability of Giroud but you could see the hole left when he was replaced by Walcott. Would wenger buy a striker in January? would wenger sell him in January? I don’t know but I know there is only one Bendtner and he wears the Arsenal Jersey.
3. Clean Sheet Again
The Arsenal defense is now keeping clean sheets like a proper title winning side. The defense have ben merciless to every striker and Szczesny had forgotten how to pick balls from his net. The signs are good, we must continue thus especially in this December feisty Fiesta. With other teams conceding goals with reckless abandon, the Arsenal continue to look good. 6 clean sheet in the last 7 games is no child’s play.
4. The Rotation Worked.
Bendtner, Monreal and Jenkenson started their first games in a long time (relatively) relieving Giroud, Gibbs and Sagna of their duties on the pitch. Wilshere came in from behind and the team looked like nothing changed other than Bendtner scored. Vermaelen may be feeling bad because he hasn’t tasted premier League actions for a while but Wenger knows him better.
5. Others.
Rosicky’s acceleration is adorable but it is high time the Czech start scoring. Cazorla is yet to reach last season’s crescendo. His shots have killed many North London birds. Flamini is a workaholic. Walcott is yet fit. Monreal is awesome and it tells how good Gibbs is. Per and Kos wont divide for Verm.
Chelsea struggled to a 4-3 win at the Stadium of Light, while Suarez got the headlines with his 4 goals against Norwich. The first being a screamer. My goal of the season so far. Moyes and Fellani did what they haven’t done since: help Everton win at Old Trafford. The everton fans even sang good songs about Moyes. Songs like, ‘Are you watching David Moyes?’, ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ and, a favourite all night: ‘Oh David Moyes is full of s***‘.
In summary, Wenger’s quote on Bendtner ends this post.
We know that when he has the mind of the game, he has the qualities. I believe tonight he had a good game.
on Bendtner’s future… At the moment we are not as far as that. He has the stature, he has good technical quality, he has quite good pace. Look, we had him as a boy of 15 or 16 and I made him sign a long contract twice so that means I always believed in his qualities
There is hope for bendtner. Don’t be surprised if he gets a 2 year contract before the season ends.
SoccerGunz 