Wenger praise for Arshavin and Bendtner

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Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
14 Mar	3:00 PM	P	Blackburn Rovers (H)	4	0	Win

Manager Arsène Wenger had nothing but praise for strike duo Andrey Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner after the pair took Blackburn Rovers apart in a 4-0 demolition at the Emirates Stadium.

Arshavin played a part in almost all the goals scored, and was a constant thorn in Blackburn's side.

And although Danish striker Bendtner didn't get on the score sheet, Wenger once again highlighted on his potential as a top class striker.

Wenger said: "Andrey has intelligence, vision and talent to pass one against one. His second goal was an example of that.

"I changed him at half-time and put him on the left but he can play right, central or left. You ask any good football player where he wants to play he will say central.

"He had four stitches in his foot at half-time, it is cut along the outside completely and the doctor had to make four stitches at the break. We delayed kick-off a bit because of that.

"I am pleased with Bendtner's overall contribution. He didn't finish well but he played well.

"I think after he missed the first chance he took too long on the second one. Then it becomes a problem for you. What is most important is that he creates the chances because once he scores one he will score three or four.

"He is always in the situation and his first touch was much better today and his movement was good. The rest will come along.

"He likes to play as the lead striker and he has power and pace. He understands the game and he's only 20-years-old, people forget that. I think it completely wrong to boo him.

"The fans clapped him when he moved off the pitch. They were not happy when he missed the chance but overall I feel the fans are behind him."

User Comments

sulazu

Posted on 17 Mar, 2009 at 09:04 AM - Reply

But for the vision of Walcott & Vela and the incisive finishing of Arshavin & may be Eboue, Arsenal would have end up playing another barren draw because with Bendtner, we would have wasted a whole lot of chances against Blacburn Rovers. Characteristic of Wenger, Bendtner gets the praise not even Vela that created 2 goals as a sub.

ismaeel kafanchan

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 07:03 PM - Reply

arsene wenger is right,one day he will become the next henry.

Terri

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 06:35 PM - Reply

Give Bentner time and stop getting on his back.
That only makes things worse.

Pezzer

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 02:19 PM - Reply

I love how Wenger keeps backing Bendtner! Using excuses like he is only 20. Funny that I remember Rooney, Owen, Ronaldo (the fat one) etc etc all being able to finish/score as strikers as early as 16/17 years old... if he cant finish at 20 years old after probably playing since he was 6-7 will he ever become the natural finisher?.

Tels

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 01:42 PM - Reply

Bendtner is only 20! a lot of people (critics) fail to see his potential. He can only improve and get better as a player, experience is vital at this stage of his career. I think Bendtner put in a good performance; if he had bagged a hat-trick all would be on his joint!

naffy

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 01:00 PM - Reply

time that bendtner had a break and wenger gave chances to others......i agree as it is vela is even a bigger threat

David

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 10:50 AM - Reply

Bendtner's first touch is better than Adebayor and his positioning is good too. However he has to convert at least half of the clear chances he got in every game, or teammates may chose to pass to others, he will get frustrated. He is a super sub no doubt about it. He tends to score goals when he came on late in a game.

Wonderfabregas4

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 10:31 AM - Reply

I'm very sorry to read this article,and difficult to accept it as from the real goner's fun.I'm very confident in Ben, he has a huge ponential,power,and technical ability-though he is not good in controlling 1st balls, and timing of getting the ball in to the net,which can be developed through exprience.
And yet don't forget that the guy is only 20,and how much its difficult at this age for any striker.

GunZ

Posted on 16 Mar, 2009 at 02:42 AM - Reply

Bendtner has potential.
Something is keeping him back - behind the pace of the game. He needs to step-up to the plate.
STOP jogging RUN!! Show some drive!!!
Maybe the booing and clapping will give him a kick in the pants - like he needs. Look at Eboue now......

Crazychazza7

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 10:34 PM - Reply

Bendtner didn't have a bad game, watching the game I realized that the great game he had made up for his misses, despite how bad they were.

uduma

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 07:27 PM - Reply

bendtner works hard,plays into position and his overall play is superb.we kose steam when he is out.our 4th choice striker if u discount theo,yet he has scored 11 and in all competitions.zlatan who is jose's best player was more wasteful against utd.

Toywa

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 06:48 PM - Reply

To praise Bendtner is too insult our intelligence. Arshavin will become a legend at Emirates.

Onyekachi

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 04:04 PM - Reply

Bendtner...I don't knw what he has given to wenger that he praises him soo much like this...the guy is a waste product to ARSENAL FC.....If i were one of the biggest shareholder in ARSENAL FC..i will make sure that the board offload Bendtner..gunners 4 life

stev

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 02:45 PM - Reply

How can Wenger keep backing Bendtner.. Bentner must be paying for time on the field every match..

Ross

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 02:10 PM - Reply

Bendtner; far too wasteful again. Gets himself in good positions but it is worthless if he only ever converts 1 in 10 clear chances. Does Wenger not look at this website to see what the fans are saying? During this current spell with injured strikers, Vela is still more threatening than Bendtner.

kakibola

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 12:08 PM - Reply

I was cursing all the time over Bendtner's character on the pitch...hoping AW wud sub him asap...!!!And then..bang!!2 goals came...Damn it,if only AW cud make his decision a little bit earliar....!!!

John Ngahu

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 10:49 AM - Reply

I'm the definition of an Arsenal fun. All the way from Africa, i can see that Niklas Bendter is wasteful and costing the team. All those missed opportunities have been created by a squad which is fighting to get its motivation and winning spirit back. This does no good for the squad. Wenger must admit that Ben is a the weak link right now and keep him on the bench if we're to challenge for trophies this season. Man U is grinding many 1-0 wins to stay on top. We are missing many 3-0 opportunities and you all know why....

winzawtun

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 04:23 AM - Reply

very very happy for the result of this game.
i hope u can keep this position.

Simon

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 04:18 AM - Reply

Bendtner - HOPELESS! How many chances did he waste?

saintpeter faeji

Posted on 15 Mar, 2009 at 01:02 AM - Reply

Tha's what what Wenger believes. but we're yet 2 come 2 term with those praises 4 wasteful Bendtner.Arshavin was great; gud vision with purpose. thank God tgat Bendtner was not the only player we have otherwise it would ve been pains all through.

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