By Boris Mellor
October 24 2005

Did you see Dennis’s goal celebration – it was circa 71; pure Charlie George. He flung himself on the ground face up, as the rest of the team flung themselves on top.

 Now Dennis has scored the third best goal in World Cup History, some of the greatest goals in Arsenal history. He has had goal of the season at least twice – but he never celebrated like this before – he was the Iceman. But he has thawed; he has learnt to be a fanatic. And what a reception he got from the crowd the “Bergkamp Wonderland” song boomed out.

 

So was it a big goal? Of course it was – context is everything, only 30 seconds to go and it looked like the plucky underdog had stolen a draw. Indeed their fans were celebrating, the vultures in the press were circling – failure to win would signal a crisis, at least in their fantasy world, but the only fantasy was Bergkamp’s goal. How he fought to get the ball, fell down, got up and still struck the ball past the goalie – it was pure magic. The press hacks had to bin their vinegar words and rewrite the story.

 

So were Arsenal lucky – I hope so – no point in being unlucky, you need a bit of luck to win. So where was the luck exactly? Not in possession, of which Arsenal did not have 72%, nor in shots failing to go in, they had 15 but only 2 found the net. Thun had 5 shots, 4 if you don’t count the goal which was intended as a cross.

 

So where was the luck? I think it was in having vP sent off, until then I could see a rerun of the Boro game, lots of fancy football and no end product. But with 10 men the Gunners became more direct and more determined. The team knew that corners had to count; Gilberto’s header from Reyes was superb. Unfortunately a defensive error and a strangely looping ball beat Almunia. I don’t think he was to blame, it was one of those things.

 

Down to ten men and losing a lead in 120 seconds might have demoralised lesser teams. But they were still seething at the sending off, and laid siege to Thun’s goal, but Thun held off the onslaught. They packed 11 men into the box to hold off the 10. Wenger went for broke, taking off Fabregas for Bergkamp. Less midfielders became more, as Arsenal launched attack after attack. Who says Arsene doesn’t know how to use substitutes. Dennis showed he was no lightweight to be kept out of the box; he will scrap with the heaviest. He was not to be denied, and his goal put Arsenal top of the group. Reyes and vP must learn this toughness from him

 

“Dennis has fight, determination and class” said Wenger afterwards. You can say that again Arsene. Meanwhile thousands of Gooners disappeared into the warm Highbury night to celebrate.