Nicklas Bendtner is back at Arsenal and ready for action

Nicklas Bendtner, a man in the wilderness for 2 years following loan spells with Sunderland and an unsuccessful one with Juventus is back at Arsenal and is ready for a second chance. Arsenal failed to sign a top class striker in the summer, and with injuries all over the place Nicklas Bendtner has found himself wanted by Arsene Wenger. Demba Ba was rumoured to be joining the club on deadline day with Bendtner moving to Crystal Palace on a permanent deal. However that failed to materialise and a day later Bendtner issued a statement declaring that he was ready to make Wenger proud and help the club with their ambitions this season.

Take me back: Bendtner's last game for Arsenal was as a sub back in August 2011

 This was the main part of the Danish striker's statement, to real the full thing click here.

"I want to assure all Arsenal fans that I will give everything I have to contribute to what I believe will be a successful season for the club."

"I still feel very strongly about Arsenal Football Club and following positive talks with the Manager, I am looking forward to working hard to regain full fitness and doing my very best to help the team and the Manager fulfil our objectives and ambitions this season."

That all comes from a man who said previously that he would never play for Arsenal again. If Bendtner manages to pull his socks up and actually puts the effort in to make it at Arsenal then he could be really good back-up for Olivier Giroud. He has more than proven that he can score goals, the majority of them coming in the Cup competitions when van Persie was rested or injured back in the day. He looked good at Euro 2012 with Denmark, scoring twice against Portugal, whilst having an influence in the games against Holland and Germany. Following on from Euro 2012 he went out on loan to Juventus. However his spell at the club wasn't such a good one. He played just 10 games and scored none. Juve won Serie A that season and the Dane was stuck behind Vucinic, Giovinco, Anelka, Quaglierella and Matri in the pecking order so it's no wonder he had limited chances to show what he could do.

Bendtner has been at Arsenal since 2005 and is one of our longest serving players. He's made 99 league appearances scoring 22 and altogether 45 goals in 157 games. Not a bad return for a man that usually had to settle for a place on the bench. Should he get himself back to full fitness and actually give his all then it'll be interesting to see what he can achieve with the Gunners this season.

Arsenal break record transfer fee to sign Mesut Ozil

No you're not dreaming, Mesut Ozil is actually an Arsenal player. The best number 10 in the world according to numerous players and managers, agreed a 5 year deal with Arsenal on transfer deadline day as the Gunners smashed their transfer record and wage cap to sign the 24 year old. Aside from all that excitement we also signed a back up keeper, Emiliano Vivano on loan from Palermo for the season.

Arsenal pulled off one of the deals of the window to sign Ozil

Arsenal have spent £42.4m to make Ozil the most expensive German footballer. It finally signifies the Gunners intent to get world class players to join the club and help them win trophies again. Ozil reportedly turned down an offer from PSG in which he would have been given more money but chose to join the Premier League instead. Arsene Wenger was key in making him join, the German claimed that he was the missing piece, someone that had complete faith and trust in him. Ozil realised that with Isco at Real and with Bale now joining that his chances would be limited so he got out as soon as he could. Had we not got Champions League football then there was no way that this deal would've happened! Mesut Ozil is an assist machine, since 2010 he has 47 assists, no one has more than that in Europe's top leagues. Giroud will benefit hugely from this, with 4 goals already this season, surely he'll grab more with Ozil playing behind him. This transfer could also spark some major deals in the future. A world class striker could come in, I mean who wouldn't want to play infront of the German international? The tempatation would be huge. This is an incredible signing, we've signed a player who is already proven on the world stage and being young, he has his best years ahead of him. Why Real agreed to let him go is beyond me, but who cares, because he's ours now!

On to our other deal on deadline day. Over shadowed by the Ozil deal was the capture of Italian goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano from Palermo on a season long loan deal. The move includes an option to buy at the end of his loan should we chose we want to keep him at the club. He should provide good competition for Szczesny, having kept 12 clean sheets on loan at Fiorientina last season. One man who won't be as happy with the extra competition though is Lukasz Fabianski. He did very well when Szczesny was out of form last season and will be dissapointed that he will be shoved down the pecking order once more. Fabianski was the last senior keeper Wenger signed all the way back in 2007, the arrival of a keeper has been due for a very long time. Viviano is only second to Buffon in the Italian nation team so that shows his quality.

There were rumours that we were looking for a striker on deadline day. Abel Hernandez, also of Palermo, was linked but nothing seemed to happen. Demba Ba was also close after we enquired about the availability of him on loan. However Chelsea didn't want to give him to a rival club and the deal didn't happen. Di Maria was another player that could've arrived from Real Madrid but our interest cooled through out the day.

To see who left and joined Arsenal this summer click here.

Giroud scores to see off rivals Spurs

Arsenal, a team whose only business this summer had been 2 free transfers. However they overcame the spending power of their North London rivals Spurs as Giroud scored a vital goal to seal a fantastic win. It wasn't one of the best derbies we'd seen between the two but it was certainly the most fiercely contested due to Spurs massively strengthening the squad. The scenes at full time were incredible, vastly different to that of 2 weeks ago after the Villa game. Wenger's cheeky smile at the end of the game epitomised that. There were 2 changes to the side that had beat Fernerbahce in the week as Rosicky replaced the injured Podolski whilst Jenkinson came in for Sagna who was suffering from an illness. New signing Mathieu Flamini was on the bench, and when he came on it was like he'd never been away. He made some cracking tackles/blocks and was a work-horse in the middle of the park. Koscielny returned from suspension after missing Fulham last weekend.

Olivier Giroud scored once more as Arsenal beat rivals Spurs

The first shot on goal came from a free-kick on just 2 minutes after Rosicky had been brought down by Capoue. Cazorla was the man to take it but Lloris got across to make a great save.

A few minutes later Cazorla had another chance after Dembele committed a foul on Walcott. The Spaniard hit it low this time and it bounced inches wide of the post.

Tottenham's first chance fell to Soldado after Walker cut the ball back but Mertesacker was in the way to block the shot.

It wasn't long before the Gunners had the lead. Rosicky played a great ball in behind to Walcott who then found Giroud to delicately glide the ball into the back of the net.

It was then almost 2-0 as Ramsey did brilliantly down the right hand side to then find Walcott but his shot across goal was kept out by Lloris.

On the half hour mark Spurs had their first shot on target. Townsend managed to cut inside and then unleash a shot which Szczesny palmed away.

Moments later Aaron Ramsey had a chance to get on the score-sheet but he blazed his effort over the bar.

Theo Walcott was then to be denied by Lloris again as this time he came haring out of his goal and slid in to deny what would've been a certain goal.

Andros Townsend was proving to be Tottenham's best player on the day as he got another chance but it was straight at Szczesny.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Arsenal.

The first effort after the restart came from a free-kick but Chadli hit his shot over the wall and over the bar.

Just after the hour mark Giroud came within inches of doubling the Gunners lead. Cazorla broke away with the ball and then found Giroud who hit a deflected shot wide of Lloris' goal.

Now was to come a long stand of Tottenham pressure. Defoe hit a shot which flicked off of Koscielny and forced Szczesny into making a brilliant one handed save. The ball then came out to Paulinho who set up Soldado but his effort was blocked by a wall of Arsenal players standing in the way.

Kyle Walker was to then hit a shot from range but it bounced wide.

Amongst all of that, Arsenal found a chance to put the game to bed. Giroud did well down the right byline before teeing up Walcott. Lloris kept him at bay once more and then Monreal was denied a tap in by Walker.

The final score finished Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere(42), Rosicky(78), Cazorla, Walcott(90), Giroud.
Subs: Fabianski, Sagna(90), Monreal(78), Flamini(42), Zelalem, Gnabry, Sanogo.

Tottenham: Lloris, Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Rose, Capoue(75), Paulinho, Dembele(69), Townsend(75), Chadli, Soldado. 
Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Sandro(75), Holtby, Sigurdsson, Lamela(75),  Defoe(69).

My man of the match: Olivier Giroud.

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 60,071

Flamini re-joins whilst Arsenal find out European Opponents

Yesterday was a busy day for Arsenal, we actually signed someone, allbeit on a free transfer. We also found out our Champions League group stage opponents.

I'll start off with the news of the club's latest recruit. French defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini has re-joined the club following his release from AC Milan. He had been training with the club over the past week and his determination and ambition sparked Wenger to make a move for him. Hardly a marquee signing but one that should provide good cover and competition for places. He has experience of playing in England before and already knows the club and Wenger. He had a troublesome time at Milan not really being able to show the talent he had produced at the Emirates. However he's back and is eager to make an impression once more. He fills the defensive midfield position we needed whilst he can also cover at full back which he showed in his first spell as a Gunner. With injuries all over the place he'll slot straight into the 18 man squad for Sunday's crucial game against North London Rivals Spurs. A game that'll be tough as ever considering their recent spending.

Onto the Champions League group stage draw. We've been alotted into group F, along with French side Marseille and runners up from last time out Borussia Dortmund. We also have Napoli who we played in the pre-season Emirates Cup. The draw could not have been tougher bar having PSG instead of Marseille. The draw has given another reason, if any more reasons were needed to be given, that the club needs to spend and get world class players in. The latest to be rumoured are the Real Madrid trio of Benzema, Ozil and Di Maria. Di Maria would be the most likely due to the imminent arrival of Gareth Bale in the Spanish capital. I can't really see all three joining though. Arsenal still have a keen interest in Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye but Wenger is reluctant to bid the £17m required. Young defensive midfielder Josuha Guilavogui, who plays for Saint-Etienne, is subject of an £8.5m bid should we not persue Cabaye any further.

The transfer window closes on Monday, but before that is the North London Derby. The next few days could determine our season despite being at such an early stage!

Ramsey double seals place in Champions League

Aaron Ramsey carried his sensational form into Tuesday's Champions League qualifier second leg as he scored two to seal a 5-0 aggregate win over Turkish side Fenerbahce. Ramsey scored a scruffy goal in the first half before executing a nice side footed volley in the second half. It was 3 wins out of 4 games this season for the Gunners and 3 man of the match performances from the Welsh midfielder. The game meanwhile also saw a return to form for Wojciech Szczesny in goal who was looking to prove a point with several good saves to deny Fenerbahce getting back into the tie. Nacho Monreal was given his first European start in the red and white of Arsenal whilst Yaya Sanogo made his comeptitive home debut coming on in the second half. Ryo Miyaichi also got a chance to impress late on as he created a few chances after replacing Walcott.

Aaron Ramsey celebrates his second goal with Yaya Sanogo

Fenerbahce almost took the lead on the night early on as Sagna's clearence rebounded off Meireles and almost found the top corner but for Szczesny. 

Arsenal then came close as Walcott drove a shot which was saved well by Demirel in the Fenerbahce goal. Giroud then came close as he curled his effort just wide of the target.

The Gunners were to then grab a goal though. Podolski played in Walcott but he was disspossed and the ball fell to Ramsey who slotted the ball home.

The Turkish side came back fighting and Szczesny had to be at his best to keep them at bay. The first chance, Emenike skipped past Sagna before forcing a smart save at the near post. The same man was then denied by a mixture of the goalkeeper and the post.

The score at half time was 1-0 to Arsenal on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.

The second half didn't get off to the greatest of starts though. Just 4 minutes into it Podolski was stretchered off with a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Kieran Gibbs who would interchange with Monreal at left back.

The hour mark saw Yaya Sanogo given his Champions League debut as he came on for Giroud who had failed to score for the first time this season.

It was now Arsenal's turn to hit the woodwork though. Walcott's free-kick beat the keeper and then smacked against the bar and came back out.

However it was soon 2-0 to the Gunners. A lovely free flowing move resulted in Gibbs squaring the ball to Ramsey who found the far corner with an exquisite volley. The Turkish side must be sick of the sight of the young Welshman. That was his fourth goal in four games against them. 

Arsenal almost added a third late on. Ryo Miyaichi did well down the right to find Jenkinson but his shot was straight at Demirel who made a fine reaction save.

Aaron Ramsey was taken off late on with a groin niggle which meant we finished with 10 men as we'd used up all of our substitutes.

The final score finished Arsenal 2-0 Fenerbahce and 5-0 on aggregate.

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Monreal, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Walcott(74), Podolski(49), Giroud(60). 
Subs: Fabianski, Koscielny, Gibbs(49), Frimpong, Rosicky, Miyaichi(74), Sanogo(60). 

Fenerbahce: Demirel, Korkmaz, Bruno Alves, Erkin, Gonul, Sahin, Meireles, Cristian(67), Sow(83), Emenike, Kuyt(67).
Subs: Gunok, Ali Kaldirim, Topuz(83), Irtegun, Alper Potuk(67), Ucan, Webo(67).

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (ESP)
Attendance: 56,271

Giroud and Podolski goals seal first points of season

Olivier Giroud scored his 3rd goal in as many games as Arsenal overcame Fulham at Craven Cottage to win 3-1. Lukas Podolski grabbed a double as he started for the first time this season in what was the perfect response to the Gunners defeat to Villa the week before. There were many reasons to be happy after this performance. Szczesny looked to be back to his best, making some fine saves. Sagna impressed at centre back as he came in for the suspended Koscielny. Meanwhile Aaron Ramsey once more starred in the middle of the park. Lukas Podolski staked a very strong claim for why he should be starting more often as he put away two clinical finishes. There was a late debut for Yaya Sanogo in the match as he got his chance, however he wasn't involved much. 16 year old Gedion Zelalem, a boy who had just recieved his GCSE results in the week was on the bench!

Giroud and Podolski were on the score sheet as Arsenal beat Fulham

The opening chance fell to Arsenal as on nine minutes Rosicky lifted the ball over the defence into Walcott but Stockdale came out well and made the save.

Minutes later Arsenal had the lead. Ramsey's shot found its way to Giroud who then dinked the ball over the keeper from close range for 1-0.

Fulham then went close twice in quick succession to equalising. Taarabt found space to then hit a shot which Szczesny parried away. It bounced only as far as Duff who then forced the Arsenal keeper into making another terrific save.

The Gunners were creating all the best chances as Cazorla drove a shot from distance after good hold up play from Giroud but the effort was straight at Stockdale.

Kieran Gibbs then went in search of his second in as many matches as a quick break away from Walcott and Ramsey found the left back but with options to his left he dragged the ball wide.

With 5 minutes to the break Arsenal went 2 goals to the good. Walcott was played in down the right hand side and forced a save out of Stockdale. The ball fell only as far as Podolski on the edge of the area who rifled the ball home.

Seconds before half time Podolski could've had another goal but instead of shooting he tried to aim a ball to the back post but there was too much on it and it slid wide.

The score at half time was 2-0 to Arsenal.

The first effort on goal in the second half went to Fulham as Taarabt turned and then fired the ball towards goal but Szczesny was equal to it and he pushed it out for a corner.

However it was Arsenal who came back with another chance. Kieran Gibbs' ball to the back post picked out Walcott whose header found Ramsey and then the Welshman's shot was deflected wide.

The Gunners then were to grab a third goal and extend their advantage. Mertesacker picked out Giroud who brought the ball down with a brilliant touch. He found Walcott who then played in Cazorla down the left. He was patient to then give the ball to Podolski who arrowed the ball into the far corner.

Fulham came back though as they scored what turned out to be a consolation goal. Berbatov's shot was saved by Szczesny but was then turned in from point blank range by Darren Bent.

With 10 minutes left Arsenal had three quick chances to grab a fourth. Walcott's free-kick was met by Monreal but Stockdale punched the ball away. It fell to Wilshere whose shot was blocked and then to Mertesacker but his tame effort didn't trouble the Fulham goal.

Sanogo was then denied what probably would've been a debut goal. Wilshere did brilliantly well to retain possession for Arsenal and then slip in Walcott but his cross to Sanogo who was unmarked was cut out by Aaron Hughes.

The final score finished Fulham 1-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Fulham: Stockdale, Reither, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Sidwell(75), Parker, Taarabt(62), Duff(59), Kasami, Berbatov.
Subs: Etheridge, Briggs, Boateng, Karagounis(75), Kacaniklic(62), Ruiz, Bent(59).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Sagna, Mertesacker, Gibbs, Ramsey, Rosicky(69), Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(81), Giroud(71).
Subs: Fabianski, Monreal(71), Frimpong, Wilshere(69), Zelalem, Gnabry, Sanogo(81). 

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 25,622

Arsenal return to winning ways in Champions League

Arsenal put their worries aside as they put in a dominant and professional display to beat Turkish side Fenerbahce 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday night. It took until the second half for the deadlock to be broken as Kieran Gibbs fired home before Ramsey scored a long range effort and Giroud scored from the spot. It was a morale boosting performance after Saturday's events as Gibbs and Sagna were fit to play whilst Monreal returned to the bench. Santi Cazorla also returned to the starting line-up as he looked to get back to full match fitness. Our dominant display means that barring any miracle from Fenerbahce at the Emirates, the Gunners should be safely through thanks to 3 away goals. The fact that we've now all but qualified for the group stages means we should be able to kick on and encourage some better players to join us in the remaining days of the transfer window. Sakho pre-match and even Benzema and Di Maria post-match have been rumoured to be on our radar. There could also be a return to the club for Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer as well.

Aaron Ramsey capped off a bright game with a goal against Fenerbahce

The first chance of the match fell to Giroud as after Alves conceded position in the box the Frenchman drove a shot which was saved.

Giroud was to have the next chance as well as Rosicky crossed in but he could only flick his header wide of the far post.

Arsenal were creating all the early opportunities as Ramsey then went close with an effort that went wide from the edge of the area.

Giroud was to have another chance after being slipped in by Wilshere but this time he hit his effort high into the stands.

In a half that had been all Arsenal and little Fenerbahce, the score at the break was 0-0.

Five minutes after the restart Arsenal found themselves in front. Ramsey did brilliantly to find Walcott who then slid the ball across goal for Gibbs to tap the ball home.

On the hour mark Wilshere managed to find some space at the near post but his shot was turned away.

Minutes later it was 2-0. Aaron Ramsey drove forward and then fired a low effort into the back of the net. It was a shot that the goalkeeper probably should've kept out but it was a deserved goal on the night for the ever improving Welshman.

Moussa Sow was to then come close twice as he headed over from a free header and then hit a shot from distance onto the roof of the net.

After numerous attempts on goal during the match, Olivier Giroud finally got on the score sheet. Theo Walcott was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Giroud stepped up and sent Demirel the wrong way for his second in as many matches.

Szczesny would then have to make two saves at the death, the first off of Kuyt and the next from Emenike to keep his clean sheet intact.

The final score on a promising night for the Gunners finished Fenerbahce 0-3 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Fenerbahce: Demirel, Irtegun(45), Kadlec, Yobo, Bruno Alves, Topal, Emre, Meireles(82), Webo(63), Sow, Kuyt. 
Subs: Gunok, Korkmaz, Baroni, Alper Potuk(82), Erkin, Gonul(46), Emenike(63).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny(33), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott(87), Giroud(82).
Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson(33), Monreal(87), Frimpong, Gnabry, Podolski(82), Sanogo. 

My man of the match: Aaron Ramsey.

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
Attendance: 50,500