Håvard Nordtveit – Arsenal’s only remaining loanee – returned to club action this evening following international duty as Lillestrøm looked to continue their rise up the table by taking three points from struggling Bodø/Glimt.
The Norwegian Under 21 International was handed the opportunity to impress in his preferred centre back role. It seemed to be something he relished – yet it was up the other end where Håvard had success early on. The 19-year-old was inches away from converting John Anders Bjørkøy’s dipping corner as Lillestrøm began on the upper foot.
Just 6 minutes later Nordtveit was causing more problems in the oppositions penalty area, as he nodded down another Bjørkøy corner. This time it allowed Frode Kippe the chance to shoot, but it was again wide. It proved to be the last meaningful chance for a little while as Bodø/Glimt turned the tables. Nordtveit’s half hearted clearance allowed Runar Berg the chance to capitalise but he lashed wide.
It was a massive danger sign but Henning Berg needn’t have worried. Bjørn Helge Riise – brother of Roma’s John Arne – cracked home the opener with 20 minutes gone. It was a blow, yet the hosts fought back and could have levelled twice if it wasn’t for Håvard. He first bravely threw his head in the way to clear a dangerous cross before racing back to clear a certain goal off his own line.
Despite his efforts, the youngster could do nothing about Daniel Stensland’s drive which brought things level just before half time. The second period was a much quieter affair and subsequently neither side really looked like snatching the win. That was until the 89th minute when Nordtveit glanced another corner over. It finished 1-1 with the Arsenal loanee completing another 90 minutes.
Håvard was probably Lillestrøm’s Man of the Match and despite a couple of slips he really looks like this loan spell is building his character whilst still nurturing his talents.
Article By – J.Sanderson
what next for him? Will he come back to Arsenal pre-season camp, or will stay in Norway? Maybe another loan, but to Championship side this time, will be the best option for him? What do you think, JS?
He will return to Arsenal in August from his loan spell – so I’ll expect him to play some part for the first team next year. Maining in the Carling Cup.
JS did u watch him live on the web? U got a link? Also Does he looks stronger? Hes got everything just needs to bulk up.
Also JS what do u make of the Thomas Vermaelen signing?
KL i like Nordvteit alot just needs to bulk up i think he can be a very good squad player. He will be better than senderos
Sanderson what do you think of Nordtveits opportunities. I’m from Norway, and “Dagbladet” released a story about Lillestroem wanting to exstend Nordtveits loan. Clearly it’s good for the lad to play first team football, and he has a good mentor in Henning Berg. Do you think that maybe Wenger exstend the loan?. And to all Arsenal fans, Nordtveit is doing very well in Norway. He’s not far away from the National team.
Håvard was quated in the press a week ago, that FK Lillestrøm was asking to loan him for the rest of the season (ends in November). Håvard himself answered that he would do whatever Arsenal wanted him to do…
Lillestrøm are keen to extend the loan period to November
He did the mistake that lead to Bodø/glimt’s goal. A poor header back to the goal keeper was picked up and they scored. I just watched the last 25 minutes and the highlights, but that time he played well. Good reader of the game, strong in the air and good on the ball. He might stay at Lillestrom until october if Arsenal let him.
If you want to watch the games go to: http://webtv.tv2.no/webtv/
You have to pay, don’t know how much though…
i saw him once in a reserve game, he’s gonna be great one day if handed any chances
Sorry Arsene, but this guy is not good enough, his positioning is way off, he’s allways to to late or absent in challanges and he lacks pace and strenght. All he does is run after the attackers and never seems to do things right. Looks like he’ll be good enough for Norwegian football in a couple of years, but not for Premier League. Cut your losses and sell him alredy
Alex – far out man, thats a strong viewpoint for a young guy who just had his 19th birthday yesterday, how good are you at the game just out of interest?
No Alex, I think (hope) your wrong. Håvard was 19 this weekend. Many people, in Norway, compare him with Brede Hangeland, who turn 28 also this weekend. Håvard er much better than Brede at 19, but he has to aprove a lot. But now he is with Henning Berg at Lillestøm, and he will get needed games. He has the norwegian mentality like Berg and Hangeland, and he 110% committed. I am sure he will be a great player, but he need time and games. If he stay fit he can make it at Arsenal…. sometime…
hmmm a lot of debate on whether Havard is good enough – i think if ur the real deal u’l get ur chance at a young age – Fabaregas in CM is an example – Sakho at PSG is another example & he’s only 19….
Yes… But in CD it is different. Not many regulare CD is 19 in any PL team.. You need to mature in CD, and most of reg CD are 25+..
It looks like he is starting to prove himself. Bobby gee Thansk for reading my blog http://bobbygee.wordpress.com/
To “Norwegian”:
Håvard did nok make that mistake. It was right fullback Karim Essediri who was the man behind the poor back header to the goalkeeper. The highlights on norwegian TV got it wrong. I saw the whole macth, and Håvard did ok. He has been really good this season though, not far from the national team.
Ok, i just heard what they said on the telly. I don’t think anybody should wright him of. He has the maturity and the technical ability. Will he ever be good enough? who knows, the jury is still out on Djorou who is three years older, so….
It’s a bit absurd to be suggesting he can only be good enough if he were playing for us before 19, especially considering centre backs mature the latest out of any position apart from goalkeeper. 19 year olds aren’t supposed to be under the pressure of playing for one of the top four teams in Europe. The youth policy that Arsenal have adopted has clearly made some fans impatient and expectant that every young player has to be like Fabregas or Wilshere, otherwise he’s not any good.
Let med put it this way. My local club in Norway, Viking, played Brede Hangeland (now at Fulham) at Nordtveits age. If Nordtveit can add those years in between by playing and learning – like Hangeland did – THEN he may be good enough. Another point is that Hangeland played several seasons in central midfield. So being played out of position (like Nordveit at full back) might not be so stupid either.
Hangeland made his first game for Viking after he turned 20 years. Nordtveit is at least two years in front of Hangeland…
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