Bruce: Bendtner was our best player by a million miles!

Bruce paired loan signing Nicklas Bendtner with Benin international Stephane Sessegnon in attack once again against West Brom on Saturday and saw the Denmark international score his first goal for the club and then set up the Ahmed Elmohamady equaliser which secured a 2-2 draw. However, he also invested a total of more than £10million in Wickham, who missed out at the weekend with a groin strain, and Ji, a second-half substitute, and is confident they too will have significant roles to play this season. "Sessegnon and Bendtner for a start - they have only been with each other for two or three weeks and they looked very, very good on Saturday. But certainly, Connor and Ji are in my thoughts. Their time might be just around the corner too, so let's hope when they get their chance, they can give everybody a lift too." It will be hard to dislodge Bendtner at present, though, with Bruce admitting he was hugely impressed with the performance of the on-loan Arsenal man against West Brom. "Nick was our best player by a million miles. He has settled in very, very quickly and very, very well and been a big plus point". He was terrific against Norwich and if we had got better service to him quicker, I'm sure we would have been better as a team". Bendtner currently leads the official Star Man vote on the official Sunderland website with more than 40 % of the votes, closely followed by Elmohamady who scored the second Sunderland goal.

Posted on: 4 October 2011 | 10:20 am

Bruce eager to sign Bendtner

Steve Bruce admits he would love to keep Nicklas Bendtner after watching the on-loan Arsenal man inspire Sunderland’s fightback against West Brom. Bendtner scored one goal and set up the equaliser for Ahmed Elmohamady, as Sunderland recovered from a nightmare start which saw them 2-0 down inside five minutes, to earn a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. Bruce was full of praise for the 23-year-old, and pointed to the fact that Bendtner chose a move to Wearside over other offers as proof of the progress Sunderland have made since he took over two years ago. “We’re very fortunate that he has come here and that, for me, is where the club has grown,” said Bruce, who also took Bendtner on loan while in charge at Birmingham five years ago. Given the clubs that were in for him, I don’t think we would have been able to bring him here two or three years ago. We can now offer him something that, in the past, I don’t think we could. The challenge for me is keeping him!" “I’d love to sign Nick Bendtner tomorrow, and you can see why.”

Posted on: 4 October 2011 | 10:11 am

Bendtner to fans: Fuck you!

When Nicklas Bendtner scored his first goal against Norway last month he shouted "Fuck you" to the Danish fans in the stadium. It was not personal. Or maybe it was. Just not directed at the fans, who actually heard Nicklas Bendtner's outburst. Just after scoring, the striker ran towards the national team's audience and emptied his lungs in a mixture of frustration and redemption. Now he explains what he was screaming - and why: "Well, I shouted, Fuck you! I shouted it as loud as I could and it came straight from the heart to all the doubters", says Bendtner in an interview with Danish media. Nicklas Bendtner clearly feels pursued - and the goal was an opportunity to give something back to those who have critized him and his football abilities - on both sides of the chalk lines. "I can tolerate criticism of my football games, also my performance for the national team, but I hate it when some distort the truth and create their own lying picture of me - or the entire national team for that matter. It gives people the wrong image of me, and it's annoying", Bendtner said. Hopefully for Denmark, the striker will get another opportunity to scream "Fuck you" to the Danish crowd in the two matches against Cyprus and Portugal in the following week.

Posted on: 4 October 2011 | 10:06 am

Bendtner delighted with first goal

Nicklas Bendtner was happy to take his first goal for Sunderland however it came after helping to ease the pressure on manager Steve Bruce. The on-loan Arsenal striker's 24th-minute effort sparked a comeback which eventually saw the Black Cats claim a 2-2 draw with West Brom after enduring a nightmare start to a game they could not afford to lose at the end of a traumatic week. For Bendtner, the fact that his shot was deflected past Baggies keeper Ben Foster by defender Gareth McAuley's out-stretched leg after Sebastian Larsson had back-heeled the ball into his path did not matter one bit after a four-game wait to open his account in a red and white shirt. "I was very delighted. I knew Seb was going to drag it back because he had seen me, but as I saw the tackle coming in, I thought 'Oh no', because it was difficult and I had to shoot first touch", Bendtner said. "But then it deflected in and I was very pleased because it's always special to get off the mark no matter how it goes in. I was a bit unlucky against Norwich, but then again, it was always going to come at some point". "If you keep putting yourself in the box and keep getting in amongst the chances, it will come for sure".

Posted on: 4 October 2011 | 9:49 am

Bendtner: Sunderland just a stepping stone

"I miss the Champions League a lot. It's a little hard to see the fantastic tournament go ahead without being present", Nicklas Bendtner to Danish media. Nicklas Bendtner has played a number of Champions League games with Arsenal and has among other things completed a Champions League hattrick against FC Porto. The Danish striker also has a large requirement for his next employer. "I will play Champions League with my next club. That is 100 % certain". The loanee from Arsenal states that he has settled in well at Sunderland, but he sees it as a step towards something bigger. "I am here primarily to play football as a solid first choice at my favorite place in front as a striker", Bendtner said, after scoring his first Sunderland goal Saturday.

Posted on: 4 October 2011 | 9:42 am

Bendtner ends goal drought

Nicklas Bendtner scores his frist goal for Sunderland, and assisted the other, as Sunderland drew againt West Bromwich in the match on Saturday. This brings Bendtners goal tally to 1 in 4 games, and his assist tally to 3 in 4 games.

Posted on: 4 October 2011 | 9:22 am

Daily Star columnist slams Bendtner with harsh criticism

It seems as if the fans approve of Bendtner first three games in Sunderland, claming af third place, a second place and this week the first place in Sunderland AFCs Star Man competition. Apperently not all share that point of view. Today, in his column "Wooly's world", journalist Brian Woolnough from Daily Star, writes about Steve Bruce's complete rebulid of the Sunderland squad: "Bruce decided to completely re-build his side this season, using the £56m gained from selling Bent, Jordan Henderson, Kenwyne Jones and Anton Ferdinand. He made 11 signings and supporters wait to see if the quality of the above has been replaced. Or has he just bought squad players?" On Bendtner he wrote: "Bruce, for instance, has put the responsibility of goals in the hands of Danish international Nicklas Bendtner. At Arsenal the confident Bendtner said he could become the greatest striker in the world. A winning goal today would help his outrageous claim". "Yet is swapping Bent with the disappointing Bendtner where Sunderland are at? Content with second best?". With Bendtner in the line up for todays fixture, Bendtner will have the opportunity so silence some of his critics including Mr. Woolnough, however it would probably take a goal or two.

Posted on: 1 October 2011 | 8:48 am

Bendtner confirmed in line up

Nicklas Bendtner will be in the line up for todays fixture against West Brom on the Stadium og Light, Sunderland AFC just confirmed on safc.com.

Posted on: 1 October 2011 | 8:28 am

Bendtner Star Man against Norwich

It looks as if Nicklas Bendtner will claim his first Star Man title this season, according to the online poll on the official Sunderland AFC website, safc.com. Currently Bendtner leads the poll massively with more than 36 % of the votes followed by Kieran Richardson. The overall Star Man 2011/2012 standings after the first 7 games looks like this: 1. Stephane Sessegnon (2) 1. Wes Brown (2) 3. Nicklas Bendtner (1) 3. David Vaughan (1) 3. John O'Shea (1)

Posted on: 28 September 2011 | 11:23 am

Nicklas Bendtner’s performance against Norwich top rated

Sunderland might have lost yet another Premier League fixture and Nicklas Bendtner’s goal drought did continue yesterday, when Sunderland lost 1-2 on Carrow Road, but today Bendtner is credited in British media for his efforts. Goal.com gave Bendtner the highest rating amongst the Sunderland players stating: “For much of the first half, the Dane seemed the only Black Cat who knew what he was doing in possession. Had an excellent turn-and-volley well saved in the first period”. The BBC match report stated, that “the Dane was Sunderland's most promising player”. Eurosport, Sky Sports and The Guardian also has Bendtner as the top rated Sunderland player.

Posted on: 27 September 2011 | 8:50 am

Bendtner confirmed in line up against Norwich

As excpected Nicklas Bendtner will lead the line in front in todays fixture against Norwich, according to The Official Sunderland Website safc.com.

Posted on: 26 September 2011 | 1:22 pm

Bookmakers believe in Bendtner tonight

It is widely expected, that Nicklas Bendtner will make his third consecutive line up in the Premier League as Sunderland visit Norwich tonight. This will be the first time in 18 month, that Bendtner get three starts in a row. In his previous 14 appereances (12 for Arsenal and 2 for Sunderland) in 2011 in the Premier League, Bendtner has not scored a single goal. Steve Bruce, Bendtners teammates and fans have sent lots of praise Nicklas Bendtner's way this last week, and the believe in Bendtner also show when it comes to the bookmakers. A bet on Bendtner would bring in the lowest return in the Sunderland squad. In the Norwich team, a bet on Grant Holt would bring the lowest return. Kick off 8 PM tonight. Shown on SkySports (UK) and Onside (DK). 

Posted on: 26 September 2011 | 11:13 am

Sunderland Boss: Nicklas is larger than life

According to Daily Star Steve Bruce has told Nicklas Bendtner he can make Sunderland fans forget all about Asamoah Gyan. Bendtner, 23, joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan from Arsenal on deadline day and now carries their main goal threat after Ghana star Gyan left for cash-rich United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain two weeks ago. “Nick is larger than life,” said boss Bruce ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to his former club Norwich. “He’s a really good boy who will make a big contribution here, I’m convinced of it. He wanted to come and play – he hasn’t played that much for 12 months. Before that, he was playing around 30 times a season for Arsenal. If you look at the number of Premier League starts he’s had for Arsenal and the goals he’s scored, it’s very good. In 40 starts he’s scored 22 goals. He just needs the platform to do it on – and we will certainly be able to give him that". When asked about the potential influence of Bendtner versus Asamoah Gyan, who left Sunderland AFC on a season long loan to United Arab Emirates club Al-Ain, Bruce said: “Bendtner or Gyan? Bendtner, who wanted to be here and Gyan, who didn’t want to be here.’’ Bendtner survived a horrific car crash two years ago and Bruce added, that the crash frightened the aboslute life out of Nicklas Bendtner: “It really did shake him up and he told me he was lucky to get out of it. They reckon he also had a hernia because of it and needed operations.’’ If Bendtner starts for the Black Cats, when Sunderland face the yellow canaries from Norwich, it would be Bendtners third consecutive Premier League start. Bendtner hasn't had three consecutive starts since the spring of 2010 during the 2009/2010 campaign. In fact, Bendtner only had three Premier League starts for Arsenal during the 2010/2011 overall.

Posted on: 25 September 2011 | 2:37 am

Vaughan: Bendtner settling in

David Vaughan is confident Sunderland are beginning to form an understanding with new boy Nicklas Bendtner. The Dane had enjoyed just two days of training with his new team-mates when he made his Black Cats debut against Chelsea two weeks ago. But the benefits of a week at the Academy of Light were evident in last weekend’s victory over Stoke City as on-loan Arsenal frontman Bendtner led the line with some aplomb. “Obviously, he’s settling in and getting to know the lads and finding out how they play. When you get to know people, you make runs off people and you know what they’re going to do. But he’s done really well since he’s come in. He holds the ball up well, he’s got great feet and hopefully he can get a few goals for us", Vaughan told Sunderland Echo.

Posted on: 24 September 2011 | 1:49 pm

Bendtner called up for international duty

Nicklas Bendtner has been called up for international duty, when Denmark go to Cyprus on October 7th and 4 days later face Portugal at home in the last two games of the Euro qualification. Nicklas Bendtner is currently playing regularly in Sunderland AFC. The Denmark squad will therefore welcome a match fit Nicklas Bendtner home, as opposed to his time in Arsenal. See also: Norwich Game could be Bendtner's first "three in a row" in 18 months.

Posted on: 24 September 2011 | 10:12 am

Norwich game could be Bendtner's first "three in a row" in 18 months

It is well known that lack of first team opportunities in Arsene Wengers team, where the main reason for Nicklas Bendtner's desire to leave Arsenal. If Bendtner starts on monday against Norwich, only 26 days into his loan spell, he would achieve something he haven't achieved in the last 18 month. Three consecutive starts in the Premier League. To find the last three consecutive starts, you have to go all the way back to february and march 2010, where Bendtner had several starts in a row for the Gunners in the decisive moments during of the 2009/2010 campaign. Bendtner were remembered for these games, as he scored last minute winners against Hull and Wolves to keep Arsenal in the title race. Most people recon that playing regurarly in Premier League will improve Nicklas Bendtner's game and sharpness, including his teammates.. "The only spell in his career when he played regularly was at Birmingham and he did fantastically well, so he’ll benefit from being on the pitch more often than not”, Sebastian Larsson said a few days ago. Last season Bendtner only started for Arsenal in three Premier League games, the last one in march against no other than Sunderland AFC.

Posted on: 23 September 2011 | 3:03 pm

Steve Bruce: Signing Bendtner a "no-brainer"

When Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was able to sign Nicklas Bendtner on a loan deal bringing him to the Stadium of Light, he didn't think twice about it. Steve Bruce ended his hunt for a striker at the last day of the transfer window, when he managed to hire Danish Nicklas Bendtner from Arsenal. Bendtner and Bruce previously worked together in Birmingham, and when the possibility of a reunion arose, Bruce didn't hesitate."It was a no-brainer to bring someone of Nicklas' quality to this football club", Bruce said earlier today to the official Sunderland website, safc.com."I had the privilege of managing him at 18 so I knew what he could bring to us. Nick is very good with his feet considering his size and you don't play 150 games for Arsenal at his age unless you're a very good player". Bendtner has been praised for his first two matches in the Sunderland shirt, even though he hasn't made it to the score sheet yet. On Monday, Sunderland will face Norwich away.

Posted on: 22 September 2011 | 8:58 am

Larsson: Bendtner will become huge hit in Sunderland AFC

Sebastian Larsson has backed Nicklas Bendtner’s decision to end his Arsenal misery after linking up with the Dane for the third time in his career. Sunderland’s two Scandinavians have enjoyed similar career paths after coming through the ranks in North London. The pair enjoyed a promotion-winning loan spell together at Birmingham and, following Bendtner’s deadline day move to Sunderland, have now renewed acquaintances at the Stadium of Light. While Larsson left Arsenal on a permanent basis six years ago for regular Premier League football, Bendtner has grown frustrated at his lack of opportunities over the last 18 months, with the on-loan striker expected to part all ties from the Emirates in the summer. In the meantime, Bendtner can enjoy a starting spot with Sunderland and has already made his presence felt after playing an influential role in last weekend’s first victory of the campaign against Stoke City. “Obviously we had a very successful season together at Birmingham and Nicklas did very well. He scored a lot of goals and was our main striker", Larsson said to Sunderland Echo. “He seems really happy when I’ve spoken to him. He probably felt it was his time to move on and enjoy his football somewhere else. I’m delighted he decided to come here because I think he can be a big player for us. People probably think he’s a lot older than he is. But the only spell in his career when he played regularly was at Birmingham and he did fantastically well, so he’ll benefit from being on the pitch more often than not.” Top scorer Larsson is quick to point out that 6ft 4in Bendtner is not just a targetman, although the striker’s aerial threat resulted in Sunderland’s crucial second against the Potters. Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate was forced to head into his own net to prevent Larsson’s inswinging cross reaching Bendtner, with the duo no stranger to each other’s strengths. “I know how Nicklas plays and how he likes the ball and I think he knows how I deliver the ball,” said Swedish midfielder Larsson. It helps that there’s someone to aim for and, in general play as well, he’s not just a guy who will flick it on. He tries to take the ball down off his chest and that’s really important for us, especially in spells when you’re under pressure. You need the guy up front who can get hold it up.” Bendtner is also another target from set pieces, with Sunderland’s two goals from deadball situations against Stoke highlighting the threat of Larsson’s delivery. “The manager has spoken about how important set pieces are,” added the 26-year-old, who is expected to shake off a toe injury to keep his place for Monday’s trip to Norwich. “For me when I take set pieces, I’ve just got to give the people in the box a chance to score.”

Posted on: 21 September 2011 | 10:23 am

Craig Gardner: Bendtner makes midfield attacking easier

According to Journal Live, Craig Gardner thought that the Sunderland team brought it all together in the match against Stoke, and showed what the Black Cats are capable of: “Stoke were always going to be a tough side to face but we hit them hard from the start. The early goal helped, and the goals kept coming after that. We have hinted at what we were capable of in some of the early games, but it was nice to bring it all together and produce a pretty good performance. The lads were brilliant throughout the side", Gardner said. Gardner sees David Vaughan as the perfect fit for him in the midfield and that the presence of Nicklas Bendtner and Stéphane Sességnon in the offense is ideal in order to pose a threat against the opposition from the midfield players: “Nicklas (Bendtner) is excellent at holding the ball up, and Stéphane (Sessègnon) makes great runs into the channels. The combination of those two things makes it much easier to make attacking runs into the area".

Posted on: 20 September 2011 | 11:29 am

Win Nicklas Bendtner's jersey!

The Nicklas Bendtner Report now offers you the chance of winning a Nicklas Bendtner Sunderland jersey. All you have to do is follow us on Twitter, where we keep you up to date with Nicklas Bendter newsstories. The draw will take place 1st of october amongst our followers on Twitter, and we will announce the winner on Twitter as well. The jersey will be delivered free of charge to you doorstep, no matter where you live in the world. We hope to see you on Twitter. Good luck in the draw! Nicklas Bendtner Report

Posted on: 19 September 2011 | 1:11 pm

Bendtner second best against Stoke according to fans

Even though he still has to score his first goal in the red and white stripes, Sunderland fans seems happy with Bendtners perfomance. According to a poll on safc.com, Sunderland fans rate Bendtner as the second best player in the team in the 4-0 vicotry against Stoke, currently claiming more than 13 % of the votes. The poll ends later this week. And it is the third goalscorer Vaughan, who looks like taking the Star Man glory, currently leading the poll massively with almost 34 % of the votes. Larsson and Mignolet battles for third and fourth place. Last week Bendtner took third place in a similar vote after his debut against Chelsea. Bendtner played 81 minutes of the game, and set up Vaughan for the third goal with a short pass. He was also involved in the second goal, as he forced Woodgate to make an own goal.

Posted on: 19 September 2011 | 9:37 am

Bendtner-assist in 4-0 triumph against Stoke

Nicklas Bendtner played 81 minutes in today's match between Sunderland and Stoke, and the Danish striker made an impact. The Black Cat's second goal came, when Sebastian Larrson tried to find Bendtner with a long cross into the penalty area. In an effort to clear the ball from a lurking Bendtner, Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate sent the ball into his own net. Just minutes later, Bendtner made the assist in the third goal, bringing his assist-tally up to two in two games. After 81 minutes, Bendtner was replaced and even though he still has to score his first goal in red and white, fans gave him a standing applause as he left the pitch.

Posted on: 18 September 2011 | 1:34 pm

Bendtner confirmed in line up against Stoke

As expected, Nicklas Bendtner is in the starting line up against Stoke and this will be his second appereance for the Black Cats.

Posted on: 18 September 2011 | 8:48 am

Bendtner to Danish media: I have been misunderstood

In a rare moment of self-knowledge in an interview with Danish TV 2, Nicklas Bendtner admits, that he can be cocky when speaking to the press, but also have been misunderstood. The Danish striker hopes to be reborn in the north of England with Sunderland this season. One of his goals this season is to make up with the general opinion, that he is an overrated player with an ego not matching his talents on the pitch."It's my own fault. I have come to say things that could be misunderstood. I have not been clear enough, and people have turned and twisted what I said", Bendtner said. All though this season offers football at a smaller club than he is accustomed to, Bendtner still believe that he can reach a higher level in his career."I have ambition to play Champions League again. When you've been there, you know how important a tournament it is. But for now I am not thinking about that". Bendtner will with utmost certainty be in  the starting 11, when Sunderland clashes with Stoke on the Stadium of Light later today.

Posted on: 18 September 2011 | 4:59 am

Bendtner: Sunderland can finish in the top six

Sunderland's on-loan Arsenal striker was a transfer-window target for Potters chief Tony Pulis, whose unbeaten side travel to the Stadium of Light tomorrow. The Danish ace, 23, opted instead for a season-long stint on Wearside — and now he wants to solve the Black Cats' goal woes and give boss Bruce a boost. Bendtner, who drew a debut blank in last week's loss to Chelsea, admits he might have been in the visiting changing room tomorrow. "There were lots of other clubs interested but being at Sunderland is the only thing I value." Winless Sunderland have netted only twice in eight hours but Bendtner said: "Scoring a goal a game is my aim. I've come to a club that can finish in the top six."

Posted on: 17 September 2011 | 12:00 am