
Dennis Bergkamp vs Newcastle (2002)
Football eventAbout
On March 2, 2002, Dennis Bergkamp etched his name into football history with an iconic goal against Newcastle United at St. James' Park. The match was crucial for Arsenal's title aspirations, and Bergkamp's moment of magic came just 11 minutes into the game. After Patrick Vieira won possession, Robert Pires advanced down the left wing and played a pass into Bergkamp. However, the ball arrived slightly behind him, prompting Bergkamp to improvise. Bergkamp executed a sublime first touch, flicking the ball around Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas while spinning in the opposite direction. This audacious move left Dabizas flat-footed, allowing Bergkamp to coolly slot the ball past Shay Given into the bottom corner. The goal was not only a testament to Bergkamp's skill but also pivotal in securing a 2-0 win for Arsenal, as Sol Campbell doubled the lead before halftime. This victory marked a significant step towards Arsenal's eventual Premier League title win that season.