Cool headed Bergkamp sinks Strachan

13 April 2012

Dennis Bergkamp satisfied Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger with a 78th minute match winner that broke Coventry hearts and could spell trouble for Sky Blues manager Gordon Strachan.

Wenger did not look at all pleased that referee Michael Dean chose to ignore what appeared a blatant first-half penalty as Coventry's David Thompson used both hands to deflect a goalbound header by Robert Pires.

The Arsenal boss might have struggled to contain his feelings afterwards, which would only have landed him in more hot water with the FA.

As it was, the Frenchman - fresh from his reprimand and £10,000 fine for improper conduct against fourth official Paul Taylor - acted perfectly properly on this occasion by questioning the validity of the decision, as was his right, then getting on with other matters.

It was easy enough to do, thanks to Bergkamp, who refuses to fly to away games in Europe. His first goal in the League since October, a classic header from Sylvain Wiltord's perfectly delivered left- wing cross, ended Arsenal's awful away run of six successive games without a win and consolidated their second place in the Premier-ship.

Too late, naturally, for them to offer any realistic challenge to runaway leaders Manchester United but a welcome sign for Wenger that his attack could become considerably more lethal on their travels now that Bergkamp's Highbury future has been settled.

Dennis is looking much more of a menace, though Coventry's resolute defenders made him work hard for his breakthrough.

Wenger said: 'He is definitely looking stronger and fresher and it is good for us as we reach an important stage of the season.

'It was pleasing for me that he scored and also that Sylvain Wiltord looked more of a threat in this game. It has not been easy for Sylvain to get used to the English game and adapt to his new surroundings.

'He does not speak the language and has been living alone in his hotel without his usual circle of friends, but he has adjusted his game and is looking much better now - more like the player in whom I invested so much money.'

Not worth £13m, maybe. But at least Wiltord was instrumental in wresting the initiative away from Coventry in the second half and leaving them ever deeper in relegation trouble.

The touch of class he and Bergkamp possess was sufficient to leave the Sky Blues with nothing to show for another admirable display of commitment and endeavour.

Manager Gordon Strachan was left singing a familiar tune. 'I was more than happy with the team's performance, their character and their belief in what we must do to survive.

'We have worked hard and shown great honesty against world-class opposition - but in the end we've got nothing out of it.'

Youngsters Craig Bellamy and John Eustace were guilty of barn-door misses in the first half and Belgian Cedric Roussel played his heart out, even though 24 hours before the game he thought he might be on his way to First Division Wolves, to help fund the aborted transfer of John Hartson from Wimbledon.

Roussel said: 'I was in touch with my agent all Friday morning.

'One minute I was going to move, the next I wasn't. I never wanted to leave Coventry because I love the club . It hasn't affected my relationship with the manager. I respect him and I realise it is a matter of business, rather than anything personal.'

He typified the support Strachan is still receiving from his players which has, so far, protected him from the sack. There were no demands for his head from the terraces on this occasion, not even when Arsenal fans taunted them with the chant: 'We'll never play you here again.'

It doesn't look as if they will. Coventry are now five points adrift of a survival place and they cannot score a goal for love nor money.

With only 12 games remaining, time is rapidly running out.

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Cool headed Bergkamp sinks Strachan

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