Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has praised Nicklas Bendtner for the attitude he has shown this season.

The Danish striker spent the last two seasons on loan at Sunderland and Juventus, but came off the bench at the weekend to score a vital late goal during their 2-0 win against Cardiff City.

"He is part of this team and he's worked hard," Arteta told the club's official website. "His attitude has been spot on since I've been here and he knows that he has to wait for his time, Olivier [Giroud] has been doing really well.

"The manager decided to play Lukas [Podolski] up front but when he [Bendtner] came on I think he looked really sharp and he looked dangerous.

"We need people like him to help the team when he's needed."

Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League table.