EFL Cup

Arsene Wenger: 'Nicklas Bendtner can win over Arsenal fans'

By Liam Power, Reporter | 29 October 2013

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that Nicklas Bendtner's new-found focus can help him earn the support of Gunners fans this season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that Nicklas Bendtner was "80% out of the club" at one point in the summer, but still believes that the striker can prove his worth to Gunners fans this season.

Bendtner came close to joining Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day before Wenger pulled the plug on a late deal, deciding that he needed the Dane as cover for Olivier Giroud in attack.

The Frenchman told reporters: "You want to be respected and liked by your own fans, and I think he is. Nicklas will get even more credit if has a great fight tomorrow and does well.

"Nicklas has been away for a lot of time and he was half, when I say half I mean 80% out of the club, and in the end he decided to stay and I stopped him from going.

"I must say, he responded in a positive way and that is what we want from him now. I believe he is physically ready, a very good player and if his concentration is 100 per cent to commit himself to the cause he will be a great asset for us."

The 25-year-old is in contention for his first home start of the season tonight, as Arsenal host Chelsea in a fourth-round League Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.