Bendtner sends Liverpool packing

By Zain Alvi | 28th October 2009

Bendtner sends Liverpool packing | read this item

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Nicklas Bendtner displayed his developing finesse to the fullest when he scored the powerful decisive goal that condemned Liverpool to Carling Cup elimination on Wednesday evening. The Dane, who is often criticized for lacking the dimension and attitude required at the highest level, quietly continued the mission to silence his critics by cleverly latching onto a pass from Fran Merida, who had earlier scored his maiden goal for the Gunners.

Merida’s strike midway through the opening period gave Arsene Wenger’s youthful squad more than just the lead. It gave the young Gunners some much-needed momentum against a Liverpool side that seemed to be on a rebound following a dominant 2-0 triumph over Manchester United this past weekend. To the home crowd’s disappointment, the Merseysiders responded within minutes as full-back Emiliano Insua’s looping effort comprehensively evaded the returning Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal.

After a highly competitive first half, it seemed that this was anyone’s game for the taking. During half-time, Rafa Benitez must have congratulated his squad for showing strong character in regards to their immediate comeback. Unfortunately for the Reds, though, it was the hosts who showed the character needed to win the fixture.

Immediately after the restart, Arsenal’s youngsters eased the nerves of the faithful at the Emirates Stadium by effortlessly shifting the focus from a desperate need to regain the lead to simply playing beautiful football. This fundamental philosophy of the North London giants was rewarded right away with Bendtner’s thumping goal, which triggered a panic mode for the visitors.

In the aftermath of Arsenal’s second goal, Liverpool brought on star playmaker Yossi Benayoun as well as this summer’s £20 million midfield acquisition, Alberto Aquilani. To Liverpool’s despair, neither of them led the way to a second equalizer, which means that Arsenal has now progressed to the Carling Cup quarterfinals at the expense of the Anfield outfit.