Arsenal 2 Hull City 0: ‘Quality’ Bendtner can play big part, says Wenger
Arsenal 2 Hull City 0: Arsene Wenger praises Nicklas Bendtner's performance as Gunners maintain four-point lead at the top
Arsene Wenger praised Nicklas Bendtner’s performance after the striker helped fire Arsenal to victory over Hull City.
Bendtner repaid Wenger for handing him his first Premier League start of the season as he headed in Carl Jenkinson’s cross after two minutes at Emirates Stadium.
Club-record signing Mesut Ozil then stroked in from Aaron Ramsey’s pass to make it 2-0 after 47 minutes and preserve Arsenal’s four-point lead at the top of the table.
Arsenal are confident enough and when they go 1-0 up early on it becomes a difficult evening for us
Steve Bruce
And Wenger, who opted to give first-choice forward Olivier Giroud a well-earned rest, talked up the Denmark international’s potential after the game.
“He had a good performance,” said Wenger. “I signed him twice on long contracts here because I believe in his qualities.
“When he has that kind of attitude and commitment it shows that he has the qualities.
“Of course [he can play a big role this season]. That all depends on his commitment and his fitness. He worked hard and when he’s physically sharp he can compete with anybody.”
Wenger, who made five changes to his starting line-up from the team that won 3-0 at Cardiff on Saturday, was satisfied with his side’s display at Emirates Stadium.
“We had a good solid performance with some great technical quality,” said Wenger, whose side host Everton at the weekend.
“Everybody had a very good attitude and overall it was a deserved win.
“Hull never gave up and kept fighting until the end but overall we have seen some great football tonight.
“We brought the right intensity into the game in our movement and passing. Everybody works well together in training, you can see that.”
Meanwhile, Hull boss Steve Bruce was left to rue the fact that his side fell behind so early on.
“Arsenal are confident enough and then when they go 1-0 up early on it becomes a difficult evening for us,” said Bruce.
“The one thing you want when you come to The Emirates is to start well and they have scored a wonderful goal.”
