Bergkamp - Four-goal salvo was the perfect response

Dennis Bergkamp believes that last night’s 4-1 victory over Fulham was just the tonic after Sunday’s defeat at Chelsea.

Claus Jensen put the visitors ahead midway through the first half but two goals apiece from Thierry Henry and Pascal Cygan gave Arsenal the victory. The Dutchman felt it was the only way to respond after that disappointment at Stamford Bridge.

“We had to react,” said Bergkamp. “It is normal that if you lose a game like that, when we thought you should have got more out of it, you try to come back with a good win and a good performance.

“We need games like this to realise we are a good team. Although we have lost players and did not win the League last year, it doesn’t mean we are a bad side. And it is these sorts of games that get you back to that level.”

At 36, Bergkamp is very much the veteran of the Arsenal outfield players. But he believes the youth in the side means that standard could be raised in the season to come.

“When you look at the team, with all the young players and how hungry they are, it is a great example of a team in progress,” he said. “They can learn a lot and they are learning it at the highest level which means they will be ready quite quickly.

“This is only one game of course and we’ll see if we can keep it going. But we are a good team and scoring goals like this gives you your confidence back.”

arsenal.com