It has been well documented that Saturday’s friendly with Barnet was a classic game of two halves. Whilst this is true, it could also be interpreted as a game of two strikers. Nicklas Bendtner missed a couple of chances in the first half, whilst Jay Simpson expertly finished to equalise in the second period.
Whilst it may be a little premature to judge players on the first game of pre-season, Simpson certainly seemed up for it, whilst Bendtner looked as if he wasn’t interested at times. There could be several reasons for this. Firstly, Simpson has been keeping himself fit at Hale End this summer by participating in self-organised training sessions alongside the likes of Gavin Hoyte and Paul Rodgers. Also, Bendtner hasn’t played since May and is clearly short of fitness.
It cannot be denied that Bendtner can be a fantastic player on his day. He scored several vital goals last season, not least against Tottenham and Aston Villa at home to secure vital points. The problem is he doesn’t do it enough. There have been question marks over his attitude (just ask Emmanuel Adebayor) but maybe he is just confident and not cocky.
Nonetheless, it seems Simpson is the one with a point to prove. It is clear that Wenger rates Nicklas higher as he is already in the first team squad. If you look at the stats from last season, you will find that Bendtner’s scoring record just eclipses Simpson’s, with nine goals in 40 games in all competitions. Simpson meanwhile hit seven in 45 games. But when you consider Jay was playing primarily as a winger, it can be considered a good return. However, most of Bendtner’s appearances came as a substitute and he was playing two league’s above Jay so there isn’t much difference between them after all.
If Simpson isn’t selected for the pre-season tour of Austria then it will come as a harsh blow for the 19 year old. He has the correct mix of determination, ability and attitude but if he isn’t in Wenger’s plans then he will be forced to look elsewhere. Bendtner, meanwhile, is very much in Wenger’s thinking but a bad season could force him to change his mind and regret not giving Simpson a chance.
Only time will tell, but all I am saying is that Wenger should consider his options.
