| Date | Time | C | Opponent | F | A | R | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb | 7:45 PM | CL | Fc Porto (A) | 1 | 2 | Lost |
Manager Arsène Wenger has said that he has complete faith in striker Nicklas Bendtner, who will start against Porto in tonight's Champions League tie.
The Emirates faithful have been urging the manager to splash the cash on a striker, but Wenger explained that there was a reason why he didn't.
The Frenchman explained that the Danish international is still learning his trade and that there was plenty of potential in him, something that the club are willing to be patient about and allow to develop and grow.
Wenger said: "Bendtner can prove me right!
"I believe he is a boy who has a big potential. He arrived at the age of 15 and we work very hard with these players to get them to a level where they are today.
"Of course, we do not believe in a player for four or five years and then suddenly stop because people say you should buy a striker.
"We have a line of conduct and we keep believing in what we have done up until now and we hope they pay us back.
"I would remind you that Thierry Henry arrived at Arsenal at 23 years old and he made a massive career. So Nicklas is still young.
"But I think we will see the best of him now. He was born in 1988 so he is getting to the best age for a striker now. Of course, he will still improve and learn a lot but at 22, you have to start to play at the top level."
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