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LONDON. — Nicklas Bendtner may never hit the heights of Barcelona or Real Madrid.
But the Dane showed why he is just the man for a cold Wednesday night against Hull. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are you watching?
Back in 2010, Bendtner thought he was one of the best strikers in the world. That was also the year he had last scored a League goal for Arsenal.
Bendtner’s roll of dishonour is far longer than any list of career achievements, which peaked in 2009 with his Danish Footballer of the Year award.
Double and treble checks were made when news started to filter through that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had opted to recall Bendtner last night. It was even suggested that Wenger had disrespected Hull by deeming them worthy opposition for his prodigal son.
Those who turned up a few minutes late were entitled to think they were the butt of a cruel joke, when told Bendtner had already put Arsenal ahead.
A collective laugh went up around the Emirates after Bendtner headed Carl Jenkinson’s cross into the net after just 90 seconds. Fortunately, the celebration did not involve a betting company and underwear.
Bendtner has been more of a threat to expensive cars and locked doors than opposition defenders in recent months and years.
Bendtner always denied he once changed his squad number to 52 to reflect a £52,000-a-week contract.
For the record, he started this season as number 23, but there have been no suggestions of a pay cut.
There have also been plenty of eye-catching haircuts, possibly none better than his latest ponytail effort – one thing he at least has in common with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
For the first time in three years, however, Bendtner has reminded Wenger and the Arsenal fans that he is actually a footballer.
Certainly, it seemed some of the old confidence had returned as Bendtner swaggered his way back on to the pitch for the second half.
He went close again with a back header that had to be cleared for a corner. — Telegraph.
Online Reporter