Nicklas Bendtner believes there are plenty of young Gunners who are
ready to follow his example and make a real contribution in
Arsenals title bid.
The 19-year-old striker headed home the winner in a see-saw game
against Tottenham on Saturday. Within seconds of coming off the
bench the Dane met Cesc Fabregas corner to score with his first
touch in a North London derby.
Having been teetering for a time, Arsenal needed a spark from the
bench and Bendtner feels the emerging young talent in the squad can
play a part in such circumstances throughout the teams title
bid.
It is the squad that wins all the games, said the former
Birmingham loanee. You need to have a strong squad these days. If
someone is tired later in the season it is important that you have
someone who can come in and take over. The young players showed
that in the game against Blackburn. You could call that the second
team if you like but we showed what we can do - it seems everyone
is ready and can step in and do the job.
Meanwhile it turns out that Bendtners contribution on Saturday was
inspired by Vic Akers, the Arsenal kit man.
"Arsene had actually told me to get on and tell Sagna to defend,
he remarked. But I said to Vic our kit man to get me on for the
corner and I'll score for you. It was quite funny when it actually
happened.
"It was fantastic really. My first touch in a derby and my first
Premier League goal. People said to me that they don't remember
that ever happening and I don't think it will happen in a long
time.
"Id only ever played Reserves against Spurs before. It was my
first time in the first team against them. It's always good to
score in the Tottenham game because it's such a big rivalry. But
what is also important is the win - that is the best thing we got
from this game.
