Bergkamp bolsters Arsenal hopes

A solitary Dennis Bergkamp goal against Newcastle United FC lifted Arsenal FC back into second place in the Premiership on Sunday - but the gap to leaders Chelsea FC remains a daunting ten points.

Deadlock broken
Victory at home against Aston Villa FC had enabled Manchester United FC to climb above Arsenal on Saturday evening but the north London club never looked likely to drop points once Bergkamp had broken the deadlock in the 19th minute at Highbury. The Dutch striker neatly collected a ball from Mathieu Flamini and picked his spot beyond Shay Given in the Newcastle goal.

Fine saves
Given was in terrific form for the visitors, who have won just three of their last 14 Premiership matches. Arsenal's winning margin would have been greater had the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper not denied Flamini, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires with fine saves.

Wenger praise
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger even singled out Given for praise when he said: "After a tight first half we found more space in the second and created chance after chance but Shay Given kept them in the game. We needed the win but we've done it in style. There is life in the team and we created chances as a consequence of the good dynamic in the team.

'Potential there'
"We can be top if we play that kind of football every week. Chelsea have been more consistent, but we want to challenge them. We've dropped a few points but the potential is there - I am convinced we can be the best and compete with them."