Bendtner's winning strikes earn praise from Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger moved to defend the much-criticised Nicklas Bendtner after the Denmark international netted twice in Tuesday's 3-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.

The Gunners returned to winning ways with their first league goals in five games at the Hawthorns, with Bendtner outstanding - and receiving some welcome support from Arsenal's magnificent travelling fans.

Wenger added his own tribute to the striker.

"Bendtner is improving from month to month. He will be better every three, six months," he said.

"He has shown he has the talent to be an Arsenal player. That is the right way to mature.

"I liked his presence and I liked his determined attitude and the way he took people on. That shows he has improved."

Bendtner's two first-half goals - moving him on to double figures this campaign - sandwiched a Kolo Toure header after Chris Brunt had briefly levelled for the hosts in a frenetic opening to the game.

It was the Gunners first three points since a 3-1 victory at Hull City six weeks ago and extended the unbeaten sequence in the Barclays Premier League to 14 games.

"We are on a long unbeaten run since the beginning of November and I still believe that if we had taken our chances in a few of the draws we could still be in the title race," said the manager.

"Now, we want to focus on reducing the gap with Aston Villa and maybe other teams."

Wenger also thanked the 3,000 Arsenal supporters who gave him a rousing reception in an exceptional show of support for the beleaguered boss.

"The away fans have always been great to me," he added.

"I don't have a problem with the fans being disappointed, that is normal and I never complain about that.

"It is down to us to make people happy not down to the people outside the pitch to make us happy. We need to get our priorities right and when you don't manage that I understand when people aren't happy."

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