Bendtner Wins It In The Nick Of Time
Jan 10th, 2009 by 'holic
I could, not for the first time either, do a cut and paste job for a match report. However, given my rare appearances at present you deserve better. I have just got back from visiting the management who, despite the pain, knew the correct question to ask first.
“How did Arsenal get on?” Upon hearing that we had triumphed one-nil she then said “oh!”, and implicit in that response was an understanding that I too had suffered. Nowhere near as much as her, obviously, but she knew 1-0 at home to Bolton would not have been gripping entertainment.
I used her as a test bed for the audience to this report. “Actually, for the first half-hour, and the last half-hour, we played much better than the scoreline would suggest”. I mean that too. I thought we had come out of the blocks much quicker than in recent weeks, and the makeshift midfield quartet were interchanging positions and possession really well at the start.
She looked unconvinced, but was not surprised to hear my view of the middle third of the contest as turgid. The spells either side of half-time were just awful. It would be easy to lay the blame for this phase at the feet of Bolton, who arrived with only fifteen fit players, and must have wondered what lay in store for them when Elmander departed the contest with an injury. Although that was the signal for the commencement of many frustrating time-wasting ruses you have to say it was down to us to force the issue and take advantage. Strangely, we appeared to take our foot off the gas.
The second-half substitutions once again provided the answer for the hosts. Desperate not to lose any ground on earlier winners, Aston Villa, Arsene Wenger surrendered two midfielders, Diaby and Eboue, for strikers Bendtner and Vela. Carlos does a passable impression of a left winger. Nicklas is less convincing on the right, but was harshly treated by those who booed his early touches.
I’ll go on record now as saying I doubt the big Dane has a long-term future with Arsenal. It is clear he is not a perfect fit for Wengerball, but he has proved his value as a squad player when Eduardo has been out with a serious injury, and when Adebayor has struggled for the form he displayed last term. I am baffled that he got the treatment from the crowd just moments after coming on, given the patience that had been shown to Adebayor up to that point.
When the inevitable goal arrived it was served with large numbers of portions of humble pie, as Bendtner produced a classy far-post finish to a magnificent chip from Robin van Persie, again excellent throughout.
There remained only the most frustrating proof that some referees should have been drowned at birth. Aaron Ramsey, given a few minutes to restore a 4-3-3 formation to see out the triumph committed one foul, or was it two, and was promptly booked. Would anybody care to suggest how many times Chris Foy, the referee from Lancashire (don’t ask me how the useless tosser gets a Bolton game!) allowed Kevin Davies to elbow, kick, and trip opponents without reprimand?
Anyway, justice was seen to be done as the three points went to the side that did try to play the game for most of the contest. For once though one cannot be overly-critical of the visitors. They were down to the bare bones, defended as best they could throughout, and came within ten minutes of stealing a point.
My thoughts were with the Arsenal fans who didn’t boo Bendtner, and who had paid good money to witness that sort of performance on a bitterly cold day. They will take some comfort from the fact that quietly, maybe unconvincingly, but undoubtedly, we have put together a seven match unbeaten run in the Premiership.
I think I’ll have a drink to that.
38 Responses to “Bendtner Wins It In The Nick Of Time”
I’ll have one too. The lads had me sweating a bit today.
A pint of Hobgoblin please ‘holic.
Just a straight whiskey in an attempt to drive out this perpetual cold. Just the one – it should be enough.
Cheers.
Well said Holic. He might not be long for the Gunners but that was a sweet finish and won us the three points. For the love of God, he’s still wearing the red and white so let’s get behind him. Hopefully this starts a nice run for him.
It’s just heartbreaking to see that the Arsenal support in the stadium (but also in the pubs, homes and in front of the computer screen) doing a favour to every visiting team because of the imbeciles who have developed a habit of booing our own players. It is the same bunch of morons who booed Eboue, Adebayor, Song, etc. because ‘they paid for the ticket and they have the right to boo who they want’.
Trawl through last week’s drinks and you’ll find one from me about bringing on Vela and moving Nasri infield after a frustrating hour against Bolton.
Well deserved win – but how nervy was it?
bendtner was good, but d goal came late…..a win is a win
Why was Adebayor auditioning for a midfield position when everyone else in the park expected him to be in the striker position? Did anyone notice that O’Brien covered 10 yards to block his slow-motion (and I use the word loosely) shot on goal? WTF?!!
I’ll drink to RvP’s workrate and obvious technical ablilities. Sami and Kolo were the other bright spots in an otherwise frustrating match to watch/endure. The 3pts are welcome but it’s obvious we need more attacking creativity. Arshavin anyone?
Nikki B did make some dreadful decisions with the ball on the right wing but booing and jeering our player is not on. I agree with G4L, why are we doing the visiting twats that favour? Come on Gooners – save that shite treatment for Davies.
Sitting in the warmth of my living room, nestled on a hillside in Kingston, sunny Jamaica, my heart went out to all those who were freezing their arses off at The Emirates. Worse still to have to bear the football that was display for large portions of the game today! Three points is three points and it wasn’t long ago that “people” were saying we couldn’t win UGLY. Now we seem to be making an “art” of it. So ironic that Bendter should score the winner ’cause he really had some AWFUL touches prior to scoring and I myself was swearing under my breath at his inept display. It’s amazing to say that we lack the creativity that was once a trademark of recent Arsenal teams! Still, lets celebrate 3 points and closing the gap on Liverpool. Bring on HULL-revenge is a dish best served COLD! and that I am sure it will be! brrrrrrrrrrrr
CHEERS FOR BENDTNER
A win’s a win- building up a run of them is important. Confidence among the team is pretty fragile, and it can’t get better without wins.
I!’ll move on from this evening’s Butcombe Best in the Swimmer tto neck a quick Carlsberg for Nik and some Bok Beer for RVP. I don’t understand the stick Bendtner gets continually from some of our fans. Especially as once again he gets us the poits. He’s probably a quarter of the cost of Ade each week too.
Robin continues to be worth evey penny. Not everything comes off, but there’s been great workrate to go wiith sublime skill of late.
Ade was the only man in the team off the boil for me today, and not for the first time.
Mustn’t forget the crowd were good too. At one point the whole North Bank seemed to be on their feet chanting Red Army to keep warm!
Still not convincing but at least we bagged the points. Shortly after I had called Bendtner a very rude name, he popped the ball in, so I take it back–for the moment. We still haven`t re-discovered our proper passing game, and we were unconvincing off the ball. I have seen a stat that we had 72% posession; but I must say it didn`t feel like it from where I was sitting.
herumph, herumph, herumph
Holic,
“I doubt the big Dane has a long-term future with Arsenal”
This is where and how it starts, we begin to sow seed of discontent amongst emotional fans.
What you fail to understand, is for a guy that is 6,3 he is a good footballer.
I personally think he is better than Ade in certain areas.
1. Better in the Air, cause he attacks corners and freekicks a lot better than Ade.
2. Better footballing know how. (He actually can play reasonably well on the left and on the right)
3. Way ahead of Ade at the same Age.
4. More importantly he is a better better finisher than Ade.
With the runs of games he is now getting he will certainly improve.
He is 21, and I am glad we have just as well as I am glad we have Ade, RVP, Carlos and Eduardo.
On the performance, I have absolutely no compains, we should understand a bit more, the context of the team. We effectively have a new central midfield pairing. And the team is now learning how to play without Cesc. They are doing a very good job.
Agreed, shango. It was never going to be a classic, was it? Almost the entire game was played out on the edge of the Bolton box. We just needed to be patient and make sure that when we got a chance, we put it away. It took a while, but that’s exactly what happened.
Everyone started raving about Adebayor when he scored in 9 consecutive games last season. That run came to an abrupt end when that ******* Martin Taylor took Eduardo out. Not only did we lose Eduardo’s goals, but also the ones he was setting up for Ade.
Ade hasn’t looked the same player since. On current form, I think Bendtner might be a better bet.
What the fans are going to have to realise that this team will put in such performances for a few games more. There is creativity missing in this team, although there is just abt enough to earn 3 pts. For the next month, we should forget about performances and only worry about the points. In the meantime, we focus on the positives. Against Bolton, those were Nasri, RvP, Vela, Bendtner, Djourou, Toure and the full backs.
Very good analysis, ‘holic.
And an Irish Coffee for me please.
I am surprised that no one seems to have mentioned Nasri? In a game where we created very little I thought he was again very good. He was probing and always looking for the right ball. I think he is going to be a real player for us, both now and for many years to come. Thought Bendtner did well when he came on. I have said on here before that he looks far more effective when he comes on as a sub rather than start the game. Took his goal really well.
I did not hear the boos of Bendtner from my seat but am disgusted to read about them now. When will we ever learn? Apart from being completely wrong, do these twats not realise the ammunition it gives supporters of other clubs? They love beating us up with that one. Fucking grow up!!!!!!!!!
Bolton were happy to play for a draw and that should be no surprise to anyone. I can not remember the last Bolton side that came to our place and tried to play the game. 3 points is 3 points but to be honest only papers over the cracks. The trouble at the moment is that when big sides get everyone behind the ball we really struggle to break them down. And I don’t know if anyone else has noticed but we seem to have lost all our pace? We used to break at such speed, but that just does not seem to happen anymore.
Not sure if Arshavin is the answer. I just wish that rather than muck about that the deal is sorted one way or another. We have apparently had an offer rejected today. I think we should make one final take it or leave it offer on Monday. If rejected then move on to someone else. We are wasting valuable time.
Steve T,
We have not lost pace as such. Pace is only usefull when there is space to run into.
The way Bolton defended it was going to be difficult. Arsene was right with his analsis that Bolton tired in the last 20 minutes.
On Arshavin, I deeply believe Arsene and the club are doing there utmost to buy the player. That should be good enough for most fans. His club are doing all they can to start a bidding war, lucky for us not too many are interested. Fingers crossed and stay positive.
On Nasri, I agree with you completely. It is his first season and he has stepped up. He is strong and can play across the midfield and still very young. What a good good buy.
Personally I’m very happy with Diaby and special mention for Sagna. Who is just unbelievable. If we do get Arshavin, he and Sagna (an ever willing runner) on the right will hurt a lot of teams.
For me all is good.
Just what ManU beat Chelsea. Any thoughts guys? ManU sucked them in and kept hitting them on the break.
Shango.
We have not lost pace. Just do not break at pace. The point I was trying to make was that we used to be so quick out of defence. That was how we broke sides like Bolton down. At times there seems to be little urgency.
Diaby frustrates me. Everytime I see him I think he is ready to move up that one last level and then he fails to deliver. He has talent in bucket loads. I just hope that he can make it that extra stage. If he does then I think we have a real player on our hands.
I agree with you re Arshavin and the club’s efforts. I just do not want to be held to ransom. Take it or move on I would be saying.
We have lost a bit of pace. Remember when we used to hit teams with lightning breaks from Henry and Pires?
Oh well, back to reality.
Shango is correct in pointing out that pace is less effective when there’s no space – that’s where you need creativity. That’s why Nasri should be in the middle. Nothing against Denilson or Diaby, but they don’t provide enough defence-splitting passes. I’d also love to see Arshavin because he’d give us more options.
Welcome back Kolo. Looked like he’s never been away.
Am I alone in thinking (hoping) that it might develop into a 3-way fight for 3rd and 4th involving us, Villa and Ch*lsea?
We have lost a bit of pace. Remember when we used to hit teams with lightning breaks
This is the key to what ails us at the moment Gerry. We still have a better squad than we give ourselves credit for, but possession rather than quick attacking on the break has become our gospel.
We will find the right balance in time, but it is taking some discovery at present!
It was not just Henry and Pires. Cue Freddie, Paddy, Overmars etc etc. We have the players now but just do not seem keen to make the most of it.
I agree re the balance. We have a very yong side that is still growing and learning the ways. If we can keep this crop together then I think we really do have a bright future. But we need to get the likes of Theo and RVP signed up for the long term to ensure that we continue to develop.
And we need to finish in the top 4!
Is your birthday a secret around here? Oh, damn. Sorry.
Just a quick pint.
I agree with shango about Bendtner, although I agree with ‘holic and many others about the frustration with him…
But everyone has to realise that he’s only 21 and has a huge frame. He is still getting used to it, that’s why he looks lazy when running, that’s why he misses passes and miscontrols. A smaller player at that age is much more agile.
He does have qualities that are special though, and I believe there is still (big) hope. And his attitude as a not-so-nice guy (selfish etc.) will work FOR him also, as of course against.
Have boycotted Le Grove for your website where at least some sense is being spoken.
Totally agree particularly with comments regarding booing Bendtner – the guy is only 20 and has already scored some important goals for the club. Think he just needs some time and occassionalyl a bit of a kick up the arse. But otherwise a talented player who can be a very effective sub.
As for Nasri, without him, we would have been in big trouble this year. Only 21 and already becoming vital to the way we play. Seems to be the only midfielder who can find that vital pass or beat a man. Needs some more support around him urgently though.
I honestly believe that bringin back Flamini would reinvigorate this team just as it did last year.
Finally, i think it’s time that he starst with Vela and doesnt waste anytime tying down Van Persie and Walcott to new contracts and not losing them like he did with Flamini. Van Persie for me is when fit one of the best around and we need to build the team around him like we did Bergkamp and Henry.
Made it over for the game, holic. Coldest time in memory for me at The Emirates. Met up with son Steve and the mates in Upper Street for a spot of warmth before the game. Scottish recipe, soup a l’oignon, boeuf bourginone and a nice Chateauneuf. Lovely, and Brian paid.
I had a freebee to the prawn sandwich seats. No booing up there. (Better class of fan, I expect). Overall I thought the fans were GREAT and very supportive of the team considering the fare on offer. Lots of noise and singing in prawn sandwich land. I was surprised we only had 72%. Bolton parked the proverbial bus. Was that fellow with the black peaked hat sitting on their 18 yard line their driver?
The goal was always going to come. Arsenal pressure was building nicely towards the end. What a PEACH of a pass from Denilson for the sitter that Ade missed. Should definitely been one up then. I was pleased for Bendtner when he scored. I was also pleased to see the genuine camaraderie that the rest of the team showed him following his goal. This is a confidence game. He, like the rest of the team, WON’T do better if some boo louder. i.e for any of holics readers that don’t get it, the equation is;
boo loudly = lower confidence = poorer play = less wins. OK? Got it?
At the moment, it’s about results and no more. There will be a time when Cesc, Rosicky, Eduardo, Theo, Song, Gallas are all back. We may even have bought a player or two. Until then, let’s get behind the team and keep the wins coming. Eight points is not unbridgeable.
Jon, welcome. The big difference you will notice is you really are allowed an opinion here and you don’t get moderated first. I’ll tell you in front of everyone if I disagree with you, but only if I’m in grumpy mode!
BtM, believe it or not, at one stage I was possibly going to make my prawn circle debut on Saturday, but events overtook us, sadly. Chateauneuf du pape, eh? You have exquisite taste old son. Next time they have it on half-price at Sainsbury I’ll let you know!
Thanks all for some really good comments on Bendtner, too. As I say, I don’t see his long-term future at Arsenal, but I hope I am wrong. I think we can all see the need for quality cover for Adebayor at the moment, and Nick is it until either Carlos or Eddie show they can partner RvP, or indeed each other.
I still think that Bendtner is an unknown quantity. He is still a kid in footballing terms. I have read numerous times on here about how we miss Flamini and how we have not replaced him. Last season he was superb. The season before we could not giive him away. But Arsene stuck by hime. He got his cahnce and took it well. I am still firmly in the “Arsene Knows Best” brigade. If he says he is going to make it then I am prepared to give him a chance and back his judgement.
Is anyone else getting very bored with this Arshavin business or is it just me????????
No, it’s not just you Steve. I could lie and say because that is the main news of the week I have decided not to bother with any additional pieces. That would be a lie. I’m just so busy at the moment dividing my time between work and hospital.
I think it is now clear we are playing hardball over the fee, and quite right too. If anybody else with real money is genuinely interested we will lose out, but I suspect that isn’t the case.
I’m quite happy that we will not pay over the odds for him. I just hope all of the stalled negotiations are not stopping us from pursuing other targets simultaneously.
Back tomorrow with a Hull preview.
I just wish we would make a final take it or leave it offer and be done with it. If they do not want it then lets all move on. We missed out on Alonso because of 2 million. Could be one terrible mistake that one.
Good luck Holic. Hope all starts to imorove sooner rather than later.
Improve even…………………..
As I said before I’m quite happy to own up to booing Eboue (and Wenger) for an unforgivably bad performance (and in AW’s case another ridiculous substitution/tactics generally).
Bendtner’s situation is something else again; and preceded the Eboue situation. The guy’s arrogant, appears lazy (although I think part of this is just down to his style of play/running) and, for someone who’s moaned about not being given the chance he deserves, has not done the work in training to improve his all-round game that was needed.
Against that I’ve never seen him turn in anything like Eboue’s performance against Wigan, the stick he took on Saturday was unjustified and his goal was the perfect riposte.
I think he has a future but he really does have a lot of work to do. Ultimately he reminds me a bit of John Radford, who I remember took a lot of stick in my 1st season at Highbury back in ’68.
John did a lot of work on his game and became a legend. I think Bendtner has the same potential but far more application is needed.
On the Arshavin front, if it’s down to the agent’s unreasonable demands I can accept our stance. If we’re quibbling over £2 or £3m (as per Alonso) then it’s plain dumb.
As Gunnerblog says the guy’s just been named 6th best player in Europe – above Kaka – so £15m or whatever is actually pretty cheap; especially if city blow the roof off the transfer market.
With the injury problems we’ve had the last 4 seasons it’s no longer valid for Arsene to point to the players that will come back at some stage because the chances are that 1 or more will become injured again. The squad needs more depth.
As for blocking the kids; Song and Eboue already seem to be doing that as far as Ramsey and Wilshere are concerned. At least block/inspire them with some talent for a change.
Anyway, away from all that, best wishes to you and the Management.