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Camden Sports - TOM FOOT
Published: 27 November 2008

Striker back in the Nic of time

Bendtner’s late-winner boost as Gunners announce off-field appointment

ARSENE Wenger believes Nicklas Bendtner has finally got the monkey off his back after notching a last-gasp winner in the Champions League.
The Gunners boss revealed how the goal-shy striker had been “disturbed” after failing to endear himself to the fans.
The lofty Dane faced jeers when he replaced fans’ favourite Carlos Vela late on against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.
But Bendtner, wearing luminous pink boots, showed superb composure to net the winner before ripping off his shirt and beating his chest at the fans like King Kong.
Wenger said: “He needed confidence. I am very happy for him because he has been a bit disturbed recently. It was a great goal.”
The Arsenal boss also praised new captain Cesc Fabregas for his “focused” performance and was pleased the fans had not booed William Gallas following his unsettling outburst at the weekend.
Arsenal’s off-pitch future looks more secure after bosses finally announced a replacement for managing director Keith Edelman, who quit the club six months ago.
Major League Soccer deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis is expected to join the club in January, with his duties including player contracts and negotiations.
“Ivan’s credentials are first class,” said chairman, Peter Hill-Wood. “He has a wealth of business acumen together with a broad knowledge of football that will not only help to maintain Arsenal’s pre-eminent standing but enhance our reputation within the football community and international commercial markets.”

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