Published: 7 April, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

OVER the course of 38 games, 76 rejuvenating half-time Jaffa Cakes (assuming that we’re not talking about the robust looking Cazorla, and they actually only eat two), and the best part of 3,572 minutes, it’s hard to believe that the successes or failures of a season could come down to just one single moment. But trust me, it does. 

Just ask Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger. His mouthwatering 2008 crop of superstars – featuring the likes of Senderos, Denilson and, worryingly, Flamini – were Gunning for the Premier League title when they came from a goal down to lead 2-1 away at Birmingham. Some Arsenal fans will remember the match for Martin Taylor’s career ending tackle on Eduardo. The Brazilian-born striker was never the same after that leg-breaking challenge. 

Other Arsenal fans will remember it for William Gallas – who threw a tantrum and refused to get up off the pitch after the Gooners conceded a last-minute penalty. 

Me? I remember it because, with a win desperately needed, Emmanuel Adebayor broke clear on the left side of the penalty area and rounded the keeper. With his balance fading and staring down the barrel at an acute angle he had two choices; go for goal…or square the ball to the unmarked Nicklas Bendtner for an easy tap-in to make it 3-1. The game ended 2-2, which tells you all you need to know about the decision he made. 

The two strikers notoriously didn’t get on. And although the blame for failing to beat Birmingham that day lies with Adebayor, it was the first thing I thought of this week when I read the news that the beltless, bumbling, bum-hanging out figure that is Bendtner had been banned from Wolfsburg’s training ground following “a series of off-the-field incidents and accusations of disrupting the changing room harmony”. 

Among a seemingly growing list of mishaps and misdemeanours was that the Late Dane reportedly missed training because he overslept. He also earnt himself a hefty fine when he posted a picture of himself getting into a Mercedes – rivals to the club’s main backer Volkswagen. 

I’m sure, readers, that by now you’re wondering why I would dedicate such a rambling to a player who left Arsenal almost two years ago? Well, thanks to Wenger and his blind, misguided loyalty, Bendtner went on to play over 100 games for Arsenal. 

Wenger; a man who to this day still finds room in his squad for Flamini, Arteta and Giroud. 

Now ask yourself; when that one single moment arises… in Wenger can you really trust?