Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was in no doubt that Nicklas Bendtner would make a positive return after the striker helped the Gunners to a penalty shoot-out Capital One cup victory at West brom. This was the player’s first appearance for the Gunners in over two years.
Bendtner last played for Arsenal in August 2011, since then he has been sent out on season-long loans with Sunderland and Juventus respectively. The Denmark international’s major highlight in the first half by an unfortunate collision with a post but improved at the start of the second half. On the 61st minute he played a through ball for Thomas Eisfeld, who latched on to it and slotted in the opening goal.
West brom equalised 10 minutes later with a header from Saido Berahino and it stayed that way till the end of extra time. Bendtner converted his penalty in a shoot-out that ended 4-3 in Arsenal’s favour.
Asked about Bendtner after the third-round tie, Wenger said: “I thought overall he had a good game.
“For a guy who has not played for such a long time, and on his own up front, he did very well.”‘
On the incident where Bendtner was tackled by Dawson, Wenger said: “What happened to him is what happens to many strikers when they have too much time to score – they wait and wait, and wait for too long. But overall, I thought his game was positive.
“One thing you don’t question too much with him is his confidence.
“I believe for Nicklas, the most important thing for him is to stay fit. As for the rest, he has the talent.
“It is important that he is now consistently present and works hard physically. He has top qualities.”
Wenger fielded several young players inexperienced at this level, such as 20-year-old first-time starter Eisfeld, debutant Isaac Hayden, Kris Olsson – another making his senior bow – and Chuba Akpom, with the latter pair coming off the bench and scoring in the shoot-out.
Wenger added: “I am proud. We played with many young players and they showed they are not only good footballers but that they can fight as well.
“I decided to go for young players with the penalties and they coped well with the pressure.”
Arsenal will face Chelsea in the next round of the cup tournament.