Bendtner saves Gunners pride

12 January, 2009

Bendtner gifted Arsenal a second life at Barclay's Premium League by striking a goal at the 83rd minute of the game. On Arsenal's side, Djourou and Ramsey and on Bolton's side, McCann and Riga were charged with yellow cards

IF THE Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner would not have scored in the last moment, Wenger’s Arsenal might have lost their present standing in the Premier League. The Emirates Stadium enjoyed a hard-fought battle between two renowned clubs till the last minute. Bolton Wanderers, though showed their stubbornness in resisting the Gunners, could not hold breadth till the last, as Bendtner finished with aplomb in the 83rd minute.

When match referee C Foy blew the final whistle, Gary Megson, the Wanderers coach could not smile, but he was pleased with his team’s performance throughout the match. Gunners squad found it hard to infringe into the Wanderers box throughout the first half as well. Spectators across the world enjoyed the 10 Gunners in running after the ball in the second half. In the last 20 minutes, the Gunners created several chances but finally lost in the opponent box. Though it was just a 1-0 victory for Arsenal, it helped the team to regain confidence.

Arsenal players, as usual, were seemingly ravenous for goals right from the beginning. Djourou and Ramsey could be an added headache for Wenger-squad in their next match against Hull City on January 17, as both of them faced yellow cards. Ramsey, who was brought as a substitute for Adebayor in the 87th minute, met the card for making excessive tackles. Wenger’s equation proved fruitful, as he changed Eboue with Bendtner in the 74th minute. On Bolton’s side, McCann and Riga were charged with yellow cards.