Nikki Bendtner is back today, as is Theo Walcott, both players divide fans opinion.
Theo had started the season firing on all cylinders before injury struck him down, again, but, Nikki will be involved for the first time this season….
Regardless of our opinion though, the man’s whose opinion matters reckons we are soon to see the real Nikki Bendtner as he makes his return from injury today to face Birmingham. Whether he starts or not is another matter.
Bendtner has not been ‘really fit’ since last November and in my opinion he should never have been involved in the World Cup, he wasn’t fit enough then and playing in South Africa caused him to miss the beginning of our season, a season that started so well but has suffered a few blips recently.
Wenger reckons he is now back to full fitness and in his best shape for a long while.
“Let’s not forget that since last November Nicklas has produced here and there but never had a consistent presence because of his injuries.’ says Wenger.
“Apart from the fact he went to the World Cup we have not seen the real Nicklas Bendtner for a long, long time. He is the closest he has been to his best for a while. He was really, really handicapped by groin problems but they have gone now.
All that’s missing from Wengers comment is ‘he’ll be like a new signing’ 😆
I am not a huge fan of Nikki, he always strikes me as just another player who tries to do too much with the ball before losing it, he isn’t clinical enough in front of goal and lacks a bit of cutting edge. Yes he gets in the right place sometimes and many say you have to be there for a chance, but too many times he wastes his chance. Added to that he just another player who seems to play when he feels like it.
Maybe now he’s fit he will show us just how good he is or should that be as good as he thinks he is? He talks the talk, now he needs to walk the walk!
Big day Nikki, make it count!
Onto the Kick campaign – Wenger has responded to Danny Murphy’s comments he made a few days ago…
I believe he said we as managers have a responsibility in the behaviour of our team, and I agree, I do not deny it, I am not in the other dressing room, so I do not know what goes on and I never ask any player if he has been wound up by his manager. But as I always say, the referees have the rules for them and have to get the game respected and the players have to respect each other, no matter what they are instructed to do.
I am a strong believer that you are responsible for what you say and what you do. When I make a mistake, I do not look at anybody else to say ‘it is his fault’ – it is my fault and if I behave wrongly, it is my fault it is not somebody else’s. If a player does bad tackling, it is too easy to hide behind the manager’s instruction because you are responsible for how you behave.
David Ginola has had his say aswell. Like Danny Murphy and Arsene Wenger, he believes there is no place for horror tackles in the game.
He thinks the referees ned to get better and players guilty of making career threatening tackles, leg breaking tackles and tackles that leave another player out the game should be severely punished. His view is that the guilty player should be banned for the same duration as the victim is out of the game. Spot-on Mr Ginola!
Finally there is only one thing left, today see’s our club back playing, International break is over so it’s back to the day job for our players. They are playing for the club we all love, the club we would all love to have been good enough to play for!
They get paid vast amounts of money for doing their day job, lets hope this side today goes out and really earns their wage today. The way to do that is by playing for themselves, their team-mates, their manager and their fans and of course getting three points along the way. Three points aren’t a gift at The Emirates, WBA taught them that, to win they need to play well from start to finish, not just when they feel like it!
Do that and our season can get back on track….
Morning All
Its a quiet one…..
Hi Rico,
you feeling lonely? 🙁
Nice post… como de costumbre. 😆
I think Bendtner has a limited amount of time to prove he’s worth his own hype. He’s good at spraying passes, and has good vision, but not as good as the people we already have in midfield. He’s good in the air, and good at holding up play, but do we need that?
He can score, but profligate in the extreme.
I like him, but he really does need to step up and be counted this season… we’ll see, but I have my doubts that he’ll make it.
Hi mike,
I was begininng to wonder where everyone had gone today 🙂
Re Nik mike, I’m no football manager but I am not sure he’s been played in the right position, he is certainly not a right sided player. I don’t understand Arsene sometimes, he gets a tall strong striker, now we have two but doesn’t use their strengths, height etc… Even Chamakh has started to drift wide…
All very strange… maybe their all gnawing their fingers to the bone at the prospect of playing another unfancied midlands team at The Emirates 😆
😆 mike, but for the WBA result I’d be sat thinking three points are already in the bag, but now…
It’s called allowing them to find the space they need to be creative; works with midfield, but not strikers. With strikers you need to nail them to the eighteen yard box, and then play off them. But with Chama and RVP, is Bendtner just a luxury we don’t need?
I think we need the striker, just not Nik mike, unless Wenger is ging to start giving Theo playing time up front or start to use Vela more…
I would love Wenger to play both Nik and Chamakh together up front today with AA just behind them. Eboue will be at RB and his crossing is much better than Sagna…. If we need the plan b, whip the crosses in and let the two big strikers head em in 🙂
I think Wenger views strikers a little as he views keepers. He sees an eighteen year-old kid with talent and waits and waits and waits. In the meantime we need someone to intercept crosses at both ends and we have nobody.
As for NB playing left or right; I don’t care, as long as he’s somewhere in striking distance. The idea of seeing him playing footsie on the touchline with Nasri waiting for a cross is farcical.
As for Theo… this could be the year he becomes the most dangerous striker in the PL… just as long as he stays fit, and I wish I could be sure of that.
Rico,
sry, but gotta go… enjoy the match… I hope
talk tomorrow
Thats my point though mike, if he plays on the right he stays on the right, it’s only a starting position…
Theo, Fitness allowing which I think it will, he’s is going to show all his critics just what he’s made of, he started the season so well he must be desperate to play again….
Catch you soon mike, have a good day….
hi mike and rico busy day today 😀 heh
I think Theo will be a sub, but you never know AW can surprise us at times like playing Diaby up front.
BTW in the meantime I am watching tennis.
Hi Stef
Very busy day 😉 😉
I think you are right re Theo, probably both he and Nik will start on the bench…
After wenger saying in the week hes a striker, you just never know where he’ll play Diaby..
Which game you watching?
Petkovic – Daniilidou (spelling probably is wrong 🙂 )
also watched Murray for few minutes.
I wonder which defender will be on bench we are very short as usual in that department.
Manonne as a CB maybe 😀
i think JD and Squilli will start today Stef
No doubt Song will fill in if either pick up an injury
I’m off for a bit, back before KO…
Morning/Afternoon Rico and you Steff.
You are departing Rico and I can only pop in to say hi.
Got to go again, see you later! 🙂
Anyone home??
Lukasz Fabianski
Emmanuel Eboue
Sebastien Squillaci
Johan Djourou
Gael Clichy
Andrey Arshavin
Jack Wilshere
Samir Nasri
Abou Diaby
Alex Song
Marouane Chamakh
Substitutes
Wojciech Szczesny
Kieran Gibbs
Tomas Rosicky
Theo Walcott
Denilson
Carlos Vela
Nicklas Bendtner
Howdy
1 all it could of been better or worse.
I hope Theo will feature in second half I always like when AA and play in same squad.
There was contact but Chamaka went down easily
Howdy Stef am also waiting to see a great change in the second half
Hey erick, all good thanks, Howdy you too 🙂
Stef, we got a dodgy pen, little bit soft and then it all kicked off… Brum should be down to ten…
2-1 CHakkkkakakakak
🙂
Chamakaka
You starting to like him yet Erick 😉 Maybe just for a few mins 🙂
Rico am good
Not yet Rico lets see what Nikky B can bring to the table
Only kidding you Erick, i think both can do a lot better….
Manure were 2-0 up v WBA, now its 2-2…
Come ön we need a third
Tiny Totts 2-1 up… 🙁
We need to win or they go above us and that cannot happen….
I won’t be happy until we have 4,5 or 6 Erick…
True Rico we need more
My connection is down so I am probably gonna miss the entire second half 🙁
even live score takes a lot of time to load.
I see Rosicky is on for Arshavin.
Oh well …. sigh….
2-1 game over and Jack got a straight red for a dreadful tackle…
I hope Wenger speaks out with true words oabout that one….
Mancs dreww 2-2 with WBA, Tiny Totts won 2-1 away at Fulham…
It was a bad tackle but Jack Wilshere played a great game sad he had to end it like that
Rico,
i think tis is one of the match that Diaby played extremely well!
just in case if any gonners ask u in future, u can say it out loud
newcastle fought back impressively. well deserved draw.
Kc Diaby played well but he has to shoot on site hard fought three points
Site =Sight
rick,
i always hate diaby but i gotta say he really play his heart out today. he slowed down the play couple of times but he was everywhere. hope he keep up his work.
by the way, is it the first time arsenal win when Diaby-Eboue-Song play together? 🙂
I don’t think so KC we have won with them playing
Hi KC, i think he got MOTM today? But Erick is right he needs to let shots fly, but, so do they all….
KC, thank the lord Denilson didn’t play also 😉
yup yup. everyone got into shooting position but just pass the ball around the the box.
if denilson was given a few minutes perhaps he would unleash a few 20-yards screamer
I honestly don’t have any issue with eboue when he plays a right back, Song is having a dip but that happens, Diaby seldom convinces but… I am a firm believer in critisising when its due and praising when its due…. none of us just pick on a player to slate without substance, do we??
The most annoying thing today is Jacks tackle, I want to see it again….
We have to raise the standard and with Cesc and company coming back we have lots to look forward to
the only annoying part of the day are the commentators.
i am not sure how u guys look at chamakh theatrical tumble in the box but it is clearly kick in the leg, and a foul is a foul.
Boo! Hola, rico! Erick, howdy? Been a while.
rico, Nikki’s not so bad. He applied himself to hard work last season and scored for us a few important ones. 🙂 This season, we wait in hope for his performance to live up to his legendary self-belief. 🙂
Diaby was great; red-card Jack was fantastic; so were Sami and MC29. I have a soft spot for TR7, and I love how he changed the tempo of the game when he came on.
i missed the zi-gigantic elbow on wilshere. i m glad wilshere made a stand that he is no push over.
i agree Erick, things are finally looking up, everyone should be back within the next month, all bar Frimpong…
Hi agag, i hope nikki proves me wrong but then i have been typing that for a few seasons now… saying that, some have said the same about theo and now he’s finally starting to show… nik can and hopefully will do the same…
three points was needed today, we got them and that’s what counts.. 🙂
How are you, rico? Still on hols? Oh, he’ll come good. 🙂 He almost scored earlier, shame, he couldn’t. 😉
Couldn’t stand the commentators. The way they went on an on and on ad infinitum about how Chamakaka “dived”, it’s as if he killed someone. It was a soft penalty, I think. But their hypocrisy knows no bounds. Stevie Diver does it on a per game basis, and you wouldn’t hear so much as a peep from them.
Hi Guys,Princess Rico,
Great result! 🙂
KC, A couple of other sites (not on Newsnow) are saying Diaby was poor. I know you don’t like him but I am pleased you have been fair to him. 🙂 What seems to be agreed is that the commentary has been dreadfully biased.
Agag, you naughty girl! Can’t stand the biased commentators, indeed! 🙂
Hiya Ra and Agag am great busy I have been up and down all week Diaby
RA, I don’t get it. 🙁
Hola, Erick. I’ve been busy too. 🙁 Counting the days til the next bank holiday. When do you finish school?
Hey agag, still on ‘hols’ – pet sitting really in a lovely bungalow in cornwall, bit chilly but we don’t care…. the woofas have been in the sea everyday and that’s wahat matters, their happiness 🙂
agag, i thought the penalty was very soft too, but hey, that happens and like you say, just look at a few of the english players, thats what those idiots who commentate should do before slating him…. Even Tommo said is was a penalty albeit he went down a bit too early….
i think we need to accept that if theres a chance we will get a pen, chamakh is going to make sure we do….
Hi RA, i didn’t think Diaby was that bad, not for him anyway 😉 😉
Rico you still on Holiday 🙂 🙂 Agag am hoping to finish this Dec but alot of work to be done but will up my efforts
Erick, hi my man. Glad you are busy, that’s a good sign.
Agag, my comment was ironic humour! 🙂 I agree with you!
Rico, I am going to Cornwall myself in the next three/four weeks to visit an Aunt who is 102 and lives in Rock. (not a joke, there really is a place called Rock in Cornwall, for those who do not know, or trust my humour).
Off for some sustenance. Tomorrow! 🙂 And I am not boozed Agag!
I am Erick, not back until next weekend, loving it though…
And yes, you up your efforts, especially in the blogging on Highbury House department 😉
i hope you have as lovely as time as i am RA, enjoy your dinner…..catch you tomorrow…
RA,
Hi… Rock; otherwise known as Kensington-on-sea.
Across the bay from Padstow and the Fish-and-chips of Rick Stein… if you get the chance check it out.
As a member of St Enodoc Golf Club, I love the place.
Regards to your aged aunt
Cornwall seems a universe away from where I am. 🙂 Glad to hear you and the pets are enjoying. I was trying to take photos of my cats just now to show you; silly creatures keep hiding under the bed.
Lol on Chamakh. I’ve been skating around his kiss the grass proclivities, but he does go down rather easily, doesn’t he? In any case, the opposition didn’t remotely look like scoring in the second half and we actualy scored so I don’t understand why until almost the end of the game it was still that Chamakh “dive” that those commentators talked about.
Our players need to work on their finishing and longe-range efforts though. Wouldn’t have minded seeing Denilson get some minutes. 🙂
mike, i did the RS fish and chips, but sadly for me its cooked in lard so i had to opt for the grilled sea bass – glad i did though it was wonderful 🙂
padstow = padstein in cornwall 🙂
agag, keep on trying please, can’t wait to see the photos 🙂
chamakh isn’t as bad as most 😉
hi all. rico, i am sending you my thoughts on the match. i watched it as it unfolded and have very mixed feelings.
Rico nice for you and I will up my game definetly
🙂 Erick re upping your game
Hi Rico,
I sent my wife on a Rick Stein cookery course… suprisingly she loved it, but we still hardly ever eat fish, so what a waste!
As for the fish-and chips… got to go to the shop in the car park; the main restautant is a rip-off.
Pull-up a lobster pot and sit down and I’ll tell you all about it 😆
As for Padstein…
The locals hate him, but they forget what Padstow used to be before he rather nastily usurped Keith Floyd… a nothing little village
Ah I can smell the ozone from here 😆
i did the sit down/take away shop, not his rip off plaice 😉
our friends who live here call it padstein and we saw the RS cook lessons up for sale, I’d rather just watch his programmes if i’m honest. Not a meat eater so it would be wasted on me…
with mushy peas and a pot of tea…. heaven 🙂 🙂
MikeB, you rascal! 🙂
I know Rock/Padstow intimately. My Aunt’s place is not far from where Prince Willy and his cohorts caper! 🙂
Have you tried the ferry between Rock and Padstow? Because of the tides, the ferry has never taken the same route across.
You are right Rico, Steiny’s place is v. expensive, but worth it, although I did not know about the “lard”. 🙂
Rico,
next time try the St. Petroc hotel, just a little up the hill; it’s where they train the main chefs, and it’s great value.
I live two bays up the coast, overlooking Lundy Island and the lighthouse at Hartland Point, so I’ll probably stay indoors and keep the windows shut if RA’s in the area for the next few days 😆
MikeB,
I am not a member of St Endoc, but I have played there, and the membership only car park is useful for doggy people wanting to walk down the coastal dunes.
Mike, a reappraisal might be necessary, if you are a member of St Endoc. Squadron Leader, or just Biggles? 🙂
Hi RA,
According to every greasy-spoon in the area, William and Harry dine at their place on a regular basis, but I’ve never seen them anywhere other than Smith’s Lawn 😆
RA,
if you didn’t get some scrambled egg on your peak you can’t get in 😆
RA,
oh , and the car park now has a barrier, with a key-card exit… sorry 😆
you live in cornwall mike???
Rico,
on the cliffs of Tintagel; my study looks out across the bay… I’ll send you a picture in the week.
You mistake me Mike.
I have a pass when I am down there. Sorry! 🙂
That’s fab, we are looking to move down this way… Look forward to the photos, i’m staying near Crantock and the beach this lat ten days has been wonderful…
Ah, Mike,
The pasties in Tintagel may be made elsewhere, but they are to die for!
I only take the Land Rover up and down to the castle, otherwise it’s a cup of tea and time to climb back up! 🙂 And here I was thinking you were a gritty Northerner. 🙂
RA, Rico,
I’m moving away to Valencia…probably in the spring next year, but I’ll send you some a picture of the view, and if you need any info…only too happy…
On the subject of living; Tintagel has a new wine bar, and we’re off there tonite, BIG event… so leaving in a few minutes
The pastie shop on the corner is actually owned and run by Americans… I couldn’t believe it when I found out 😆
RA,
just a pasty-faced Southerner from London, who moves around, I’m afraid, but my mother lives in Halifax… does that entitle me to a gritty reputation ? 😆
Talking of going, I must too, you all have a great evening and catch up soon..
Nighty night all, agag, keep chasing the moggies 🙂
stay safe all….
sorry folks… gotta go, before they run out of Rioja… 😆
talk tomorrow; have a good one
Rico,
Your nose is growing longer (and rustier) it’s always raining down there! 🙂
Some of my other relatives live in Perranporth and they always look sun tanned and healthy, until the rust starts to streak. No wonder Mike wants to go to Valencia …. oops, my cousin lives there and the weather wasn’t too good when I spoke to her last week! 🙂 Back to NY for me, especially as the Yankees won 5:6 in the first semi-final game. 🙂
Sorry RA, not a drop of rain since we got here!! no nose growing for me….. 🙂
i’m gone now….
Night folks
night Erick,
oliver, you were in spam, sorry, only just seen you there but thank you for your email 🙂
def off now….
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