By Ricky Butler at The Emirates
There had been groans of discontent before kick off when the Danish striker's name was announced in the line up - his first Premier League start for the club since March 2011 - but he wasted no time in making his mark, heading home a delicious cross from Carl Jenkinson after just 90 seconds.
"It was a fantastic feeling," said a delighted Bendtner on the goal. "I think my celebration was a show of that."
That set up Wenger's side for a comfortable night against Steve Bruce's newly promoted Tigers, who had beaten Liverpool at the weekend, and the Gunners should have been out of sight before the break.
Hull, who became first team to come from behind to win at the Emirates back in 2008, rarely threatened a repeat and the only surprise was that it was still only 1-0 as the sides went off at half time.
Aaron Ramsey looked determined to add to his 13 goals this season with several efforts, one of which brought a terrific save from Hull goalkeeper Alan McGregor, while Laurent Koscielny, Ozil and Bendtner all came close.
But any nerves were eased within two minutes of the restart. Nacho Monreal, another making his first Premier League start of the season, just managed to keep the ball in down the left and Ramsey fed Ozil with a delightful pass which the little German stroked past McGregor with the minimum of fuss.
Wenger had made five changes to the side which had won at Cardiff on Saturday. As well as Bendtner - in for the rested Olivier Giroud - and Monreal, Jenkinson replaced the injured Bacary Sagna at right back, while in midfield Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini came in for Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta.
Despite the changes, however, Arsenal got off to the perfect start. A lovely interchange of passes down the right between Ramsey and Rosicky released Jenkinson and the full back's cross was powerfully dispatched by the head of the returning Dane.
"It's been difficult for the players who have not been in the team because we have had such great form," said Bendtner. "But everyone who comes in just takes it in his stride and goes with it."
After the second goal, another well worked move finished off in style from record signing Ozil, Arsenal could relax. Santi Cazorla, Ramsey and Bendtner could all have added to the scoring but the clean sheet was the most pleasing aspect for Wenger, the fourth in a row and a seventh in the last nine matches.
"This is the basis, the foundation of the team," said the Arsenal boss. "You know once you are 1-0 up you can rely on the defence. That gives you the confidence to relax and go forward."
Speaking of the defensive improvement this season, Wenger said: "I believe individually the players have improved and collectively they have improved as they know each other much better. The confidence and the results help as well.
"We were serious tonight, had great technical quality and our combinations were fantastic. The only regret you have is that maybe we were not clinical enough in front of goal."
With many critics believing Arsenal do not have enough strength in depth to win the title, Wenger was able to bring on Wilshere, Arteta and Theo Walcott in the closing stages and still has Lukas Podoloski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to come back from injury.
"It is difficult to leave players out who deserve to play but the attitude and togetherness of the squad is great," said the Frenchman.
With another big week ahead - Everton visiting the Emirates on Sunday before trips to Napoli and Manchester City - Wenger will need all the players at his disposal.
"Yes, we have a massive week ahead but I am confident we will do well. We will take it step by step and focus on Everton first then see what we can do in Naples."
ARSENAL - Szczesny 7, Jenkinson 7, Mertersacker 7, Koscielny 7, Monreal 7, Flamini 8, Ramsey 7 (Arteta 80 7), Cazorla 7, Ozil 8, Rosicky 7 (Wilshere 73 7), BENDTNER 9 (Walcott 73 7).
HULL CITY - McGregor 8, Meyler 6, Chester 6, Bruce, 6, Elmohamedy 6, Huddlestone 5, Figueroa 7, Livermore 6, Brady 6 (Rosenior 58 6), Sagbo 5 (Nagy 73 6), Graham 5 (Boyd 58 5).
REFEREE - Andre Mariner 7.
ATTENDANCE: 60,017
No comments:
Post a Comment