Bergkamp steers Gunners to win

Saturday, 15, Apr 2006 08:40

Dennis Bergkamp took the plaudits as Arsenal left it late to beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 at Highbury.

The Dutchman came off the bench to create one and brilliantly score another after Arsenal had been pegged back.

Arsenal powered forward in the must-win clash with the relegation threatened club, for ten minutes the pressure was intense and it looked like being a long afternoon for West Brom.

Scottish international Nigel Quashie reminded the hosts that they would not have it all their own way. His left foot blaster arrowed just wide of the post.

Jose Reyes and Robin van Persie had decent efforts but then Arsenal missed the easiest of chances. Gilberto Silva played a fine ball to Thierry Henry but the Gunners' captain missed when one on one with the keeper.

A minute before the half time whistle Arsenal made their pressure count. Alexander Hleb received the ball on the edge of the area, played a one-two with Henry and then hammered the ball into he roof of the net.

The second half started with Arsenal in awesome form but Curtis Davies was able to hold off the home side's attacks.

Arsenal began to ease up taking off Henry, Hleb and van Persie. Within seconds of the introduction of Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp West Brom were level.

Out of nowhere Quashie drove a stinging low shot beyond the hand of Jens Lehmann and somehow the visitors were all square.

Within five minutes Bergkamp, Pires and a fortunate ricochet combined to restore Arsenal's lead with the French winger wheeling away in celebration.

The Dutchman created the goal on 'Dennis Bergkamp Day' at Highbury and then went one better. The Dutch master rose to the occasion by curling a trademark shot into the top corner of the net to leave the crowd in rapture.