Arsenal had some famous strikers over the years during Arsene Wenger’s time in charge.
Of all, Thierry Henry is the most famous, a Frenchman who bagged 228 goals for Arsenal during the most decorated period of the club’s existence.
Perhaps Nicolas Anelka might have reached similar heights himself if he had resisted a move to Real Madrid in 1999.
But in terms of Arsenal’s history books, Henry will be remembered alongside other strikers like Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Wright, at least in terms of those who played under Wenger.
On the other end of the spectrum during Wenger’s time in charge, there were a lot number nines who failed to live up to expectations in N5, with Nicklas Bendtner being one.
Arsene Wenger thought Arsenal fans would forgive Nicklas Bendtner’s attitude
‘Lord Bendtner’, as he was jovially dubbed by Arsenal fans, arrived in north London from FC Copenhagen back in 2004.
Bendtner initially began in Arsenal’s Hale End Academy sides, a striker who was considered to have a lot of potential.
But after bursting onto the first team scene in 2007, Bendtner ultimately failed to live up to his promise, eventually leaving Arsenal seven years later with 47 goals in 171 games for the Gunners.
That being said, Wenger spoke about how Bendtner could still become ‘unstoppable’ in an interview in 2013.
The Arsenal manager was still convinced about the Denmark international’s potential, stating that he just needed to adjust his attitude.
Wenger said: “He had nearly gone somewhere else [in August] and in the end he stayed because it didn’t work out and we needed him here.
“Now he can convince everybody. We are open-minded, we believe in his qualities. I personally believe in his qualities.
“It’s just down to attitude and fighting [spirit]. When he has that, Nicklas can be an unstoppable striker. He gets his chance. Our job is about that. Take your chance.
“Fans forgive you everything as long as you produce the performances on the football pitch. That’s what people want.
“I think our fans have a positive attitude towards Bendtner and they will be behind him. Only you can create that with your performances.”
Nicklas Bendtner’s biggest regret at Arsenal
Interestingly when speaking to The Guardian in 2020, Bendtner admitted that he did have some regrets in his career.
The Dane will always be remembered fondly by Arsenal fans, a striker they grew to love enough though he never quite fulfilled his potential.
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But speaking about his regrets in the interview, Bendtner said: “I became too fond of the lifestyle that came with the money.
“I want to go back in time and hit that young lad on the head with a hammer. Make him understand what a chance it is. That he has something special – something he has to look after.
“There’s definitely some regret I didn’t take my career in a more positive way. Looking back definitely gave me upset because there are moments which were very hurtful and difficult to talk about.”
