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Did Wenger destroy Bendtner’s Arsenal career?

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One of the most consistent criticisms of Arsene Wenger in recent years has been of his inability to change style or tactics, either mid game or mid season.

The 4-3-3 formation has become the default setting even when certain players are struggling for form.

None of Arsenal’s wide front men could ever find consistent performances last season and even though Robin van Persie prospered in the second half of the campaign, you could argue that he would have been just as prolific in a more conventional 4-4-2.

Man Utd’s success has been built upon Sir Alex Ferguson’s flexibility and ability to constantly evolve his team’s approach depending on the personnel available and the opposition. In games against Arsenal in particular, we have seen a shift in approach to contain Wenger’s team which has worked almost without fail, particularly in the biggest matches.

In contrast, Wenger refuses to adapt for any opposition or any occasion. One of the most notable occasions when he did was for the FA Cup Final in 2005 and the more negative approach gave Arsenal their last trophy. The signing of Marouane Chamakh last season appeared to suggest that Wenger would now be more flexible in his approach as the Moroccan’s style of play could be used in combination with Van Persie.

Instead, the slick haired striker was only given a chance when our vice-captain was injured before Christmas and he spent the rest of the season alongside Niklas Bendtner as a last gasp substitute and even then both target men were instructed to play as awkward wingers.

Both Bendtner and Chamakh have proved that they can be effective when played through the middle and yet Wenger will still not adapt to the strengths of his squad.

This summer Wenger has bolstered his attack once again with the arrival of Gervinho, who has already excited the Arsenal faithful with a quick fire brace in the friendly against FC Cologne. The Ivorian’s physical presence suggests that he too could provide a foil for Van Persie in a 4-4-2, but Bendtner’s imminent departure hints at the fact that the manager will again prefer to use his attacking options in the wide positions either side of last season’s top scorer.

This policy already appears to have killed Bendtner’s Arsenal career, but Arsenal fans will all be hoping that the manager can broaden his approach as the season approaches.

Click HERE to see the original article. This article was first published on ThisIsFutbol

Written by Jimmyareabi

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21 comments

  • goonerlad says:

    What a load of crappy. Killed his career? more like made it, and given him the chance to prove himself and be a good alternative to rvp! Nic blew it end of.why slag him off and then say we ruined the boys career as he is leaving? is it because.you have no clue and need a bit of controversial shite to boost your advertising income? Nic had his chance, one very important one I’m sure the more intelligent fans will agree, and apart from one good run he did feck all. P.s gervinho is gonna be a winger here, on a front striker in a 442, thats not how we do

  • bob jaMes says:

    This guy is nuts and out of his damn mind for the view on Wenger.All I know about Wenger is giving people chances to shine and he ussualy stick to his players for seasons before he sees they wont make it…And only Wenger in Epl is known for BEST giving opportunities to players from all corners of this world.He once said “Do you mean to tell me there’s no 1 person in the whole of the African continent who can @ least participate on Formula1?All I do is see some1 with talent and give him the chance but also he HAS TO BELIEVE IN ME or else it wont work.” Now tell me didn’t he give Adebawhore a chance? The same goes to the best striker in the world Bendtner….

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