Football: Bergkamp provides extra dimension
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Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal 1
Coventry City 0
after extra time
A familiar finish from Dennis Bergkamp saw an unfamiliar Arsenal side through to the Coca-Cola Cup quarter-finals after extra time last night.
The Dutchman, whose suspension does not apply to this competition, marked his return with decisive effect in the 100th minute as he accepted Stephen Hughes's long ball, drew the Coventry keeper, Steve Ogrizovic, and dabbed the ball in-off the far post with customary delicacy to claim his 12th goal of the season. Bergkamp, Arsenal's inspiration throughout, deserved no less, especially as he had had a goal disallowed in the last minute of normal time for offside.
For Coventry, who laboured mightily throughout, it was a touch harsh. Had it not been for a reflex save three minutes from the end by Arsenal's Austrian keeper, Alex Manninger, the visitors might have forced a penalty shoot-out. Manninger tipped away Darren Huckerby's drive from an identical position to the one from which Bergkamp had scored.
Huckerby, a 75th-minute substitute, had been unlucky in the first minute of extra time when his drive rebounded off the post.
Arsenal, fielding a number of reserves for a competition which has lost its fizz and its automatic Uefa Cup place this season, gave a balance of experience to their side as they welcomed back Bergkamp and Martin Keown. Despite their disjointed appearance, they managed to hit the woodwork on three occasions through Alberto Mendez, Nicolas Anelka and Christopher Wreh.
In the circumstances, it was a timely demonstration of Highbury's strength in depth, which was particularly welcome given the impending European transfer elsewhere in north London. Tottenham will have their work cut out to match their traditional rivals. However, Arsene Wenger was not willing to proffer advice Christian Gross on how to assimilate to the English game. "He is an experienced manager. I've enough problems with my own job," said the Arsenal manager with a grin.
Had Gunner Bergkamp not taken time to find his range, Coventry's challenge might have been ended far earlier. After two minutes, the Dutchman had a chance to put Arsenal ahead but shot wide. Two other chances presented themselves to him in the first half, but he betrayed a lack of sharpness.
Coventry could not find the final touches required to make the most of their opportunities. After Huckerby's early impact in extra time, it seemed they might have worn Arsenal down. But then Bergkamp reminded everybody, not least himself, of how one talented player can turn a match.
Arsenal:(4-4-2): Manninger; Dixon, Keown, Bould, Upson; Mendez (Marshall, 105), Parlour, Platt, Hughes; Anelka (Wreh, 68), Bergkamp.Substitute not used: Lukic (gk).
Coventry City: (4-4-2): Ogrizovic; Nilsson, Shaw, Breen, Burrows; Telfer, Williams, McAllister, Hall; Dublin, Haworth (Huckerby, 75). Substitutes not used: Soltvedt, Boland.
Referee: G Ashby (Worcester)
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