Wenger Impressed With Bendtner Return

Wenger Impressed With Bendtner Return

The Great Dane, Niklas Bendtner finally made his return to the Arsenal first-team after more than two years, as Wenger decided to give Olivier Giroud a breather in the Capital One Cup which also provided an opportunity for the youth team players to get a chance in the side.

Multiple key players were rested for the midweek tie as Wenger fielded a completely new look and youthful side. The game also marked the return to fitness for first-choice captain Thomas Vermaelen and vice-captain Mikel Arteta, however the news was dominated by the return of Nicklas Bendtner.


The 25-year old last played for the Gunners back in 2011, and what followed were relatively unsuccessful loan spells at Sunderland and then at Juventus. There was speculation that he would be offloaded too in the summer, the way many of the other fringe players were, but the striker stayed on at the Emirates Stadium.

He was picked to lead the line on Wedneday night and he put in a good performance for someone who has been out of action for a long time following his injury in pre-season. Wenger has confessed that he was primarily relieved to see Bendtner back playing in Arsenal colors and that he was happy to see him put in a good shift.

ESPNFC report him as saying, ‘Nicklas overall had a good game for a guy who has not played for so long,’

‘He did very well on his own up front for nearly two hours. He showed heart and he has quality to come back as well.

‘I don’t question too much his confidence. For Bendtner the most important thing is to stay fit physically because he has the talent. I know him well. It’s important he is consistently present and works hard. He has top qualities.’

With Bendtner now drafted into the first-team setup, this will be welcome news for both Arsenal fans and for Wenger, who will not have to overly rely on Olivier Giroud to bang in all the goals.

Do you see Bendtner making a quick return to his best form?