Brief show: Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner in
disarray hours after his side's European exit.
As his shell-shocked players threw their socks and
shorts towards the kit skip, Arsene Wenger told them to keep their
dignity for the last three games of the season.
The Golden Generation, as Wenger had labelled his young team
before they beat Roma in February, had shown their immaturity in
both legs of the Champions League semi-final, having their pants
pulled down at the Emirates by the best team on the planet.
Hours later one of their players, Nicklas Bendtner, was falling
out of a London nightclub, trousers round his ankles, with only a
pair of black jockey briefs keeping his dignity intact.
Bendtner's behaviour at Boujis is embarrassing for
Arsenal, especially at a time when the supporters are
beginning to question whether this group are capable of fulfilling
their potential.
Some players are even beginning to doubt their quality, with
Emmanuel Adebayor suggesting that the team who finished four points
behind
Manchester United in the
Barclays Premier League last season have gone backwards.
He claimed that United are unstoppable and almost, almost,
criticised Wenger over the sale of Alexander Hleb to Barcelona and
the enforced departure of Mathieu Flamini.
Backwards step: Emmanuel Adebayor believes Arsenal
must invest this summer to move forward
'We have taken a step backwards - not only me, but the
team,' admitted Adebayor. 'We need some players. Hleb went, Flamini
went to Milan and it has been quite difficult to
play.'
There is no temptation inside the manager's office at London
Colney to start again, little appetite to be ruthless and rip up
the template of teenagers that he believes will eventually dominate
the Premier League, the Champions League and beyond.
It is incredible to think that Arsenal, three times Premier
League winners under Wenger, are slipping so far behind United they
cannot give them a game over 180 minutes of football at the very
highest level.
They beat United 2-1 at the Emirates in November, but the world
champions come to life towards the end of the season. As the
world's best player crowed, without challenge: 'This time of the
season is Cristiano time.'
Even the captain Cesc Fabregas was caught up in the maelstrom,
getting just 79 touches when he averages 122. 'United have many
players who can make a difference, Chelsea are the same,' said
Fabregas.
'United were much better over 180 minutes and deserve to be in
the final. We haven't been good enough.'
Bendtner, meanwhile, apologised last night for his post-match
behaviour, saying: 'I may be young but my actions were a poor error
of judgment. I love this club and was so disappointed to lose
against United.'