By Fab4.
Nicklas Bendtner was the Arsenal hero once again after coming on as a second half substitute to head home a 94th minute winner against 10-man Wolves at the Emirates. Just when it seemed like Arsenal’s title challenge was over for another season, the big Dane ensured a vital 3 points keep us in touch with the top two.
Arsene Wenger made seven changes from the side that faced Barcelona, with injury victims Fabregas, Arshavin and Gallas being joined by Diaby, Nasri, Clichy and Bendtner who were rested in a risky gamble by the boss, who brought in Eboue, Silvestre, Campbell, Rosicky, Walcott, Eduardo and Denilson.
Arsenal began well with Walcott starting where he left off against Barcelona, flying down the right wing and creating chances. It was from Theo’s cut-back that Eduardo wasted the first of two great opportunities to open the scoring, in the 5th minute his shot was well saved by Hahnemann before he scuffed an effort wide from close range minutes later.
Next up to waste a chance was Sagna, when he should really have done better after being put through but his shot was straight at Hahnemann, before Walcott hit a volley from the edge of the area straight at the Wolves keeper.
As Arsenal spurned their chances the urgency went out of their game, the good start had fizzled out and before you knew it half time came and the score was still 0-0.
Arsenal continued to press at the start of the second half without creating any real chances. However, soon the game went a bit stale and Walcott, who was the main threat in the first half, looked like he was running out of ideas and his final ball began to let him down.
Arguably the turning point of the game came in the 66 minute when Wolves captain Carl Henry was sent off for a tackle from behind on Rosicky. Henry’s right foot caught Rosicky half way up the back of his calf, many pundits have claimed it was never a sending off but the open cuts on Risicky’s leg would argue it was.
Arsenal were still seeing plenty of the ball but still couldn’t get that all important goal, Eduardo wasting another good chance but slipped at the crucial point and his shot flew wide. Arsene Wenger threw on Nasri, Bendtner and Vela to try and find a way past a resilient Wolves defense.
The changes upped to the tempo slightly and finally there was a presence up front in the form of Bendtner.
Walcott had been far quieter during the second half, only a trade-mark slalom run to speak of, but the young winger should really have done better when well positioned in the 90th minute, but could only stab wide.
With only seconds remaining, Sagna finally found a decent cross which was met by 6ft 4″ striker Bendtner who’s diving header flew past Hahnemann to secure a priceless 3 points for Arsenal.
1-0 Bendtner (90+4)
There was even time for Arsenal to squander yet another chance with Wolves pushing for an equalizer, Arsenal broke and found themselves 4-on-1, Walcott cut back for Denilson but his touch let him down and his shot was blocked.
The final whistle went soon after and there were relieved Arsenal fans all over the world. Bendtner has now scored a couple of vital last minute winners in recent weeks, could he be the unlikely hero that guides Arsenal to the premier league title?
The importance of his physical presence was once again highlighted today. Time after time crosses went into the box with nobody there to challenge, they were a complete waste of time and Wolves dealt with them with ease. But once Big Nik was in there, suddenly the Wolves defense had something to think about.
It was a little disappointing to see Walcott fade so badly. He started very well and full of confidence but as the game wore on he was feeling the pressure and making bad decisions. He really does blow hot and cold but his pace is such a lethal weapon i would still start him against Barca.
I thought Sol Campbell played really well and i hope he also plays on Tuesday, i don’t like Song at centre-back. Keep him in midfield where he belongs.
So a good day all-in-all. The Spuds lost 3-1 to Sunderland to dent their hopes of fourth place. United lost, and although Chelsea won it was the lesser of two evils. If United had won they would surely have gone on to win the title for a fourth time. But now with Chelsea going to Anfield all Arsenal fans will be honorary scoucers for the day!
