There is only one Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp

News Archive 2003/04

05/07/04 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for July. Previous poll results: 83% of you are disappointed because Bergkamp didn't take part in Euro 2004, despite the fact that rest is good for next season. Total of 378 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
05/07/04 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for July. Previous poll results: 83% of you are disappointed because Bergkamp didn't take part in Euro 2004, despite the fact that rest is good for next season. Total of 378 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
12/06/04 Site News: The Untouchables DVD out now!
See other stuff -page to purchase the new Untouchables DVD and see all the goals from 2003/04 season over and over again. You can also get Centurions DVD - which includes 100 Bergkamp and Henry goals each - for just £7.97!
12/06/04 Site News: EURO2004 coming!
EURO2004 in Portugal starts today with two clashes in Group A. See Ladbrokes' excellent offers now!
12/06/04 Site News: Season summary
The stuff from the 03/04 season are now updated. See biography and stats.
16/05/04 INVINCIBLES!
Yesterday's 2-1 win over Leicester ensured Arsenal's historical unbeatable league season. Bergkamp started the match and showed a perfect example of why the he will be here also next season. In the second half Dennis, who has just earned a final one-year contract, bided his time before picking out the surging run of Vieira with an exquisite through-ball. It was 2-1, and the celebrations could begin. After the match, when asked which of his title triumphs with Arsenal he had enjoyed the most, said: 'The last one is always the best one so this is definitely the best because we are unbeaten this season.' On his wonderfully incisive through-ball for Vieira's winning goal the Dutchman said: 'I think we needed something a little bit special because we were down in the first half but there is so much talent in this team, we know each other well', and continued: 'It is going to be difficult (to get better) but we will try.'
13/05/04 BERGKAMP SIGNS A NEW ONE-YEAR CONTRACT
Arsenal are delighted to confirm that Dennis Bergkamp has signed a new one-year contract, extending his stay with the Club until the end of the 2004/05 season. more...
10/05/04 Bergkamp rested again
After playing 90 minutes against Birmingham (0-0) in the first of May, Wenger has decided to rest Dennis against Portsmouth (1-1) and now Fulham (1-0 for Arsenal). Reyes has taken his place up front alongside Henry, and the Spanish prodigy hasn't been bad at all, scoring Arsenal's last two goals. Despite Reyes' good form, Bergkamp will certainly feature on the last game of the season - against Leicester next Saturday. Also, happy birthday to the Dutch Master, 35 and still going!
28/04/04 Bergkamp waits on deal
Dennis called on Arsenal to resolve his future by the end of this season as he revealed his belief that Arsene Wenger is ready to offer him a final one-year contract. more...
26/04/04 ARSENAL, THE CHAMPIONS!
Arsenal clinched the title at the White Hart Lane - the sweetest of venues for a title triumph following a 2-2 draw against north London rivals Tottenham. Bergkamp started the match and was involved in both goals, a great performance by the Dutch Master. Despite the draw the real victory, however, was Arsenal's. The title was theirs and the honour of an historic unbeaten league campaign may yet follow. Arsene Wenger summed up the season, and this tells it all: "We wanted to win and win with style. I think we achieved that this season and we are proud of it. I would like to congratulate my players and staff for their attitude and the consistency they have shown. It must have been good for the fans to see us repeat what happened in 1971 when we also won the title at Tottenham."
20/04/04 Bergkamp interview
There's was a good interview with Dennis in the Guardian which can be now read from this website. more...
19/04/04 Bergkamp positive of Gunners stay
Dennis Bergkamp is positive of winning a new deal with Arsenal, but stressed he has not yet discussed the finer details of a contract with the Highbury paymasters. more...
18/04/04 5-0!
An awesome Arsenal and Henry performance against Leeds. Thierry hit four in the Gunners' five-nil win, while Bergkamp assisted Pires' goal and gained a penalty which Henry netted. Just four more points and we are the champions...
15/04/04 Ajax set to swoop for Bergkamp
Ajax boss Ronald Koeman is planning to sign his former Holland team-mate Dennis Bergkamp this summer if the veteran forward fails to reach agreement on a new contract with Arsenal. more...
09/04/04 4-2 victory for Arsenal
Arsenal came from behind to beat Liverpool 4-2 and restore their seven-point lead at the top of the Premiership with Thierry Henry hitting a hat-trick in the process. After gaining just a few minutes in the bitter defeat against Chelsea on Tuesday, today Bergkamp got the full 90 minutes. Dennis had his part in the fourth goal as he picked out Henry on the edge of the area. Thierry controlled the ball and got his shot away. It bounced back off the prone Dudek, hit the Frenchman and rolled back into the net.
03/04/04 Arsenal out from the FA Cup
Poor game, poor Bergkamp, poor result. Today's one-nil defeat to Man Utd sent the Gunners out from the FA Cup, so no treble then...
01/04/04 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for April. Previous poll results: 47% of you are satisfied with the number of goals Bergkamp has scored this season. Total of 51 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
31/03/04 Site News: Website address back on track
The Iceman Website's redirection URL (http://bergkamp10.cjb.net) has not been working since March 10 for technical reasons. Anyway, it's working again now and I hope there won't be any more blackouts. Sorry for any inconvenience.
30/03/04 Bergkamp is our Zidane - Henry
Thierry Henry says Arsenal team mate Dennis Bergkamp is almost as good as France partner and World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane. more...
28/03/04 Bergkamp dropped to the bench
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Man United today, so the gap between the Gunners and Chelsea is now seven points. Bergkamp played only the last five minutes as Reyes was in the starting eleven.
25/03/04 Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal
In a tension-filled Champions League quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge, honours remained even. Bergkamp started his first away game in the competition since the trip to his home-town team, Ajax, last February, and wasn't bad at all. This draw means that there's still plenty of excitement coming in the second leg at Highbury.
21/03/04 Bergkamp scores, Arsenal wins
Exquisite finishes from Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp were enough to keep Arsenal nine points clear at the top of the Premiership after another tense encounter with Bolton. On the first goal, Edu found Bergkamp on the edge of the box. The Dutchman laid the ball off for Pires and he curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Another goal seemed inevitable and it duly arrived after 24 minutes. Pires set Henry clear down the left-hand channel, he squared and Dennis crashed home a first-time shot. Wonderful stuff, full 90 minutes for DB and three points for the Gunners.
18/03/04 Bergy back for the visit of Bolton Wanderers
Bergkamp has returned to fitness after missing Saturday's victory at Blackburn with rib injury. "Bergkamp, Ljungberg and Aliadiere are all fit again," comfirmed manager Arsène Wenger at Arsenal.com before Saturday's home game with Bolton.
12/03/04 Arsenal draw Chelsea in Champions League
Arsenal will play Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, so Dennis can also feature in the away leg.
12/03/04 Boss hopeful on Bergkamp injury
Dennis Bergkamp was injured in the victory over Celta Vigo at Highbury, Arsenal.com reports. The Dutchman, whose perceptive pass set up Thierry Henry's opening goal in the 14th minute, picked up the problem when trying to flick the ball over visiting keeper Pablo Cavallero late in the second-half. He was substituted for Kanu with 14 minutes left. "Bergkamp did very well tonight," said Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger after the match, "but he was injured. He got a knock on his rib cage. I don't think it is broken and he can breathe freely. But he was shocked a little because he got the studs on his chest."
10/03/04 Arsenal cruise through
Arsenal have reached the last eight of Europe's top competition for only the third time in their history by beating Celta 2-0. Bergkamp was in the starting eleven and had his input in both goals. Especially the first Arsenal goal was all Dennis: he swivelled himself to into position just outside the area before hooking the ball into the path of the just onside Henry. It was an incredible piece of perception given he had his back to Frenchman at the time and was using what could be deemed his wrong foot. Whatever, the finish was typical Thierry - low, fast and too sharp for the keeper. On the second goal, Ljungberg and Bergkamp exchanged passes on the right and the Swede's cross was flicked on by Fernando Caceres at the near post. It fell to feet of Henry a few yards out - not really what the Spanish side needed. The goal, his fifth in eight Champions League games this season and his 31st in the competition overall, was inevitable.
06/03/04 Bergkamp rested for Portsmouth clash
Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp will be rested for the FA Cup Sixth Round tie at Portsmouth on Saturday evening. With a busy week of Champions League and Premiership football ahead, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has decided to omit two of his star names. It is a tactic he has employed in recent years in this competition and it has served him well.
03/03/04 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for March. Previous poll results: 31% of you see Reyes' arrival to Arsenal as a threat to Berkgamp. Total of 136 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
03/03/04 Bergkamp buoyed by dressing-room spirit
Dennis Bergkamp senses the spirit is right among the Arsenal side this season. The Dutchman has seen players come and go in almost nine years at Highbury but he believes this group are coming together. more...
01/03/04 Arsenal flying high
Arsenal are now nine points clear at the top of the Premiership after a narrow 2-1 victory over Charlton on Saturday at Highbury. Bergkamp had his 75 minutes and had several shots towards the goal, but it was the French duo Pires-Henry who scored the needed goals.
22/02/04 Bergkamp: An example to all
There are several overseas players who have forced their way even into the hearts of the xenophobes by sheer talent, longevity and force of personality: Peter Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Gianfranco Zola. Now, chief among them, stands Dennis Bergkamp. more...
22/02/04 Arsenal beat Chelsea - again
Another great 2-1 -victory over Chelsea increased the gap between Arsenal and Man Utd to seven points - and Bergkamp had an excellent game. His exquisite through-ball reached Vieira and the Frenchman made it 1-1. After the match Vieira said: "Dennis had a fantastic first half - he drove the team on and fought for every ball. I just had to put the ball in the net."
16/02/04 Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
Two goals from Jose Antonio Reyes saw Arsenal come from behind to beat Chelsea in Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash at Highbury. Bergkamp started up front alongside Reyes, and Dennis had a huge influence in Gunners' attacks. He played the full 90 minutes and hailed the hero of the day after the match: "Jose was fantastic. I thought his first goal was exceptional and the second showed such quick thinking. He made a great run and finished it off. It gave us a great lift.".
13/02/04 Bergkamp back for Chelsea Cup clash
Dennis missed the midweek victory over Southampton with a calf injury but Arsène Wenger told Arsenal.com on Thursday afternoon that he expected him back in the squad for Sunday's fifth-round encounter. "Dennis Bergkamp looks likely to be fit again, but he is the only one who should be back."
10/02/04 No-go for Dennis
Jose Antonio Reyes is set to make his first Premiership start against Southampton at Highbury on Tuesday night. Arsène Wenger expects to draft in the Spanish midfielder-cum-striker after Dennis Bergkamp injured his calf at Wolves on Saturday. The Dutchman pulled up just after half-time at Molineux and was immediately replaced by the new signing from Seville. It is set to stay that way for the visit of Gordon Strachan's side. "Reyes has a very good chance to start the game," said Wenger. "Ideally I would have left him a little more time. But Bergkamp, Wiltord, Aliadiere and Kanu are all out or away", Wenger said. Bergkamp's absence means that David Bentley will be added to the squad. However the manager suggested that the veteran forward's absence would be "days not weeks" and he "could be alright for the FA Cup game" against Chelsea on Sunday.
09/02/04 Bergkamp ready to play
Arsenal's injury worries were eased today when it was revealed that Dennis Bergkamp has suffered only minor damage to his ankle. It was feared the striker had sustained a serious calf injury in Saturday's 3-1 win at Wolves but treatment yesterday has given him a chance of playing in tomorrow's Premiership clash against Southampton. If DB10 is not fit for tomorrow's match, Wenger will be forced to partner Thierry Henry with new signing Jose Antonio Reyes.
08/02/04 Bergy scores
Arsenal ground out a deserved 3-1 victory against Wolves on Saturday. Although never easy, they were well worthy of a victory that maintains their two-point lead at the top of the Premiership. Arsenal took the lead after 9 minites with a Bergkamp goal: Edu found Cole up the left wing and his pass to Bergkamp bounced up as it reached the Dutchman on the edge of the box. Dennis hit it first time, slicing across the ball to send it inside the far post. Ten minutes into the second half Reyes came on for Bergkamp.
01/02/04 Another win for Arsenal
Arsenal welcomed new-signing Jose Antonio Reyes to the club by returning to the top of the table with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Highbury on Sunday. Bergkamp had his part in the first goal when his pass sent Henry sprinting clear in the left channel. Too wide to shoot himself, he slipped a pass across towards Ljungberg at the far post. Fearing the danger, City defender Tarnat slid in but only succeeded it diverting the ball into his own net. With 21 minutes left, Wenger chose the moment to introduce Reyes in place of Bergkamp.
28/01/04 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for February. Previous poll results: 69% of you think that Dennis didn't make the right thing when he decided to retire after this season (not sure yet though). Total of 157 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
25/01/04 Bergkamp fit again
Dennis returned to the squad against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup match on Saturday. It was a powerful display from the Dutchmaster and he even scored the first of Arsenal's four goals in the 19th minute. Parlour made a perfect pass to Bergkamp in the box and he thumped home his shot despite Chris Riggott's attempts to block.
06/01/04 Bergkamp out for the Everton trip
"I thought Dennis would play but he had a test and aggravated it again. I think he'll be out for 10 days while Wiltord is at least 10 days away. But I feel they are short-term injuries and I hope they will be back quickly", said Wenger at Tuesday afternoon's press conference before Wednesday's match against Everton.
30/12/03 One-nil to the Arsenal
Arsenal performed well away at Southampton and Pires' goal secured three points for the Gunners. This was the 250th for Dennis Bergkamp in the League as an Arsenal player, and he made some nice passes again, even if he also lost the ball few times. Dennis also almost scored with a far-post header but only found side netting.
27/12/03 Bergkamp plays after all
Dennis was passed fit to play after shrugging off a calf injury and got the full 90 minutes in 3-0 -win over Wolves. Arsenal were dominant and Bergkamp frequently tormented the Wolves defence. He forced Wolves keeper Oakes to make a few decent saves and also danced past two defenders before being dispossessed just as he appeared intent on walking the ball into Wolves' net.
24/12/03 Merry Christmas!
Just want to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. It's been a great year for Dennis and Arsenal, let's hope the new one will be even better!
24/12/03 Bergkamp misses Wolves clash
It looks like Dennis Bergkamp may miss the home game with Wolves on Boxing Day with a calf injury, Arseweb reports.
22/12/03 Bolton 1-1 Arsenal
Bergkamp played 70 minutes when the Gunners got just a point against the organized Bolton side. Not one of the best performances, so there have to be some improvements made before Boxing Day's match against Wolves.
14/12/03 Bergkamp scores the winner
A Dennis Bergkamp strike in the 11th-minute was enough for Arsenal to get three points from Blackburn today. The goal came after Kolo Toure pushed the ball past Vratislav Gresko and then beat him for pace and strength before superbly cutting a pass back to Bergkamp, who stabbed his shot inside the near post. Dennis, like the rest of the team, played a solid but not so shining match. Still it was enough and the Gunners are now back in the top of the table.
11/12/03 Arsenal goes to the first knockout round
Arsenal completed a remarkable transformation from apparent Champions League no-hopers to group winners in just a month as they qualified for the knock-out stages courtesy of a 2-0 win over Spartak Moscow. Bergkamp had a great match and was involved in both goals and also had a few chances himself. As usual, DB10 was replaced by Kanu in the 74th minute.
06/12/03 Another draw for Arsenal
Bergkamp started the match against Leicester and on the hour, he found space on the left flank and clipped over a cross to the far post where Gilberto had sneaked up from defence. The Brazilian hung on the air and planted a firm header high into the net. Five minutes later, the same pair might have put Arsenal ahead but for a fine reaction save from Walker. Bergkamp sent over a free-kick from the right-hand byline and Gilberto's spectacular volley was destined for the far corner before keeper thrust out a hand to divert the ball on to the post. In the 72nd minute, Ashley Cole was dismissed for a challenge on Ben Thatcher. Wenger immediately threw on Gael Clichy as a replacement left back. Bergkamp was the unlucky player to make way. Then Craig Hignett snatched a point for Leicester with virtually the last kick of the game.
03/12/03 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for December. Previous poll results: 83% of you are going to buy the long-waited 'Centurions' video/DVD, which includes 100 goals each from Bergkamp & Thierry Henry. Total of 120 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
30/11/03 Goalless draw against Fulham
Edwin van der Sar frustrated Arsenal as he produced save after save to earn Fulham an unlikely goalless draw at Highbury. Bergkamp had a great match again but his brilliance couldn't bring three points and now Chelsea are in the top of the league.
25/11/03 "Such an honour to be captain"
Bergkamp after Birmingham match: "Saturday was a very special game for me. Not only was it a great honour to captain Arsenal in a fantastic 3-0 win over Birmingham, but I was of course also delighted to score my first goal of the season for Arsenal." more...
23/11/03 Bergkamp will not make Inter trip
Arsene Wenger will resist the temptation to call on the services of golden oldie Dennis Bergkamp in Arsenal's vital Champions League clash with Inter Milan. more...
22/11/03 Bergkamp scores against Birmingham
Dennis scored his season's first goal today against Birmingham City. With 11 minutes left Bergkamp made sure of victory for Arsenal as Henry released him clear. Bergkamp raced in on goal and produced a sumptuous finish, lifting the ball calmly over the Birmingham keeper Taylor. In the first half, Bergkamp found Henry in space and he slid the ball into the path of the advancing Ljungberg who clinically sent his low shot past Taylor, 1-0. Just minutes left Dennis was replaced by young French striker Jeremie Aliadiere.
21/11/03 Bergkamp likely to miss Inter clash
Dennis seems unlikely to travel to Inter Milan on Tuesday. Arsène Wenger already knows he will be without Patrick Vieira (thigh), Martin Keown (calf) and Lauren (knee) for the crucial Champions League tie at the San Siro but he does have a full compliment of strikers. Unless there are more injuries at Birmingham on Saturday, it appears Bergkamp will not be traveling over land to Italy. "I don't think [he'll go] but it depends on the injuries," Wenger told Arsenal.com. "If we have three or four injuries we will have to take the step. But he would have to play on Saturday and then travel. The time is short and the trip is long. However it is still open."
13/11/03 Bergkamp criticises Ruud reaction
Dennis Bergkamp has criticised fellow Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, reports Soccernet.com. Bergkamp believes Holland coach Dick Advocaat was right to drop Van Nistelrooy for last month's Euro 2004 qualifier against Moldova. Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy reacted angrily to being replaced during Holland's qualifier against the Czech Republic and was axed for the next match. Bergkamp said: "Ruud is a strong personality but he reacted too much at his substitution during Holland's crucial game against the Czech Republic. No player likes being taken off but on that occasion Ruud went too far. You can't react like that and that was why Dick Advocaat had to drop him for the next match."
09/11/03 Arsenal wins North London derby
Two goals in nine minutes late in the second half saw Arsenal come from behind to beat Tottenham at Highbury 2-1. When the Gunners were 1-0 down after an hour of play, Bergkamp replaced Gilberto on the field. The substitution was a good one and late goals from Pires and Ljungberg made Highbury vibrant.
06/11/03 Gunners grab lifeline
An 88th-minute diving header from Ashley Cole salvaged Arsenal's Champions League hopes at Highbury on Wednesday night. In the first half Bergkamp supplied the free-kick that saw Gilberto rise above the head to nod goalwards. Had his effort not been straight at the keeper it was 1-0. At the start of the second half, Henry flicked on for Bergkamp to shoot; Kiev keeper Shovkovskiy was not found wanting. The changes did not bring a change of luck. The next clear chance came with four minutes left when Bergkamp's long-range effort was tipped over the bar. It seemed to be the last chance of the game but Cole conjured up a winner in the nick of time.
02/11/03 Arsenal roll over Leeds
Arsenal maintained their position at the top of the Premiership table with a comprehensive, clinical 4-1 victory over Leeds on Saturday. Bergkamp was on form and almost scored, but his shot hit the post and came back for Henry who had followed through to knock the loose ball into the roof of the net. Dennis got the usual 75 minutes and was replaced by Aliadiere.
26/10/03 Charlton 1-1 Arsenal
Dennis Bergkamp returned to partner Henry up front after the Gunners lost 2-1 at Dynamo Kiev in midweek. But Dennis didn't make the needed difference and the side gained just a point from this London derby. Bergkamp had one shot which forced Kiely into a save from distance.
18/10/03 Arsenal back on top of the Premiership
Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 in a dramatic London derby at Highbury and the team is now on top of the table. On the 66th minute Wenger brought on strikers Bergkamp and Kanu for Wiltord and Parlour, and the winner came when Dennis won a free-kick which he took quickly and released Robert Pires on the right, but his low cross aimed at Henry looked a waste as it was far too close to the goalkeeper. However, as Cudicini went to scoop up the ball he somehow spilled it on to the leg of Henry and it ran over the line for a goal. Bergkamp nearly followed it up with another when his low drive whistled past the post.
16/10/03 Bergkamp fit again
Dennis believes saturday's opponent Chelsea can be real contenders for the title this season. The striker, who is fit again after injury, spoke to Arsenal.com: "You would think it would take some time to settle in when you make so many changes but so far they have not had a problem," he said. "You never know the way it will turn out in the long run. But there is a lot of talent in every position and depth in the squad. If you have that then you can challenge for the championship. They are doing well so why not?"
02/10/03 Bergkamp won't play against Liverpool
"Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Freddie Ljungberg will not come back," said Arsene Wenger today at Arsenal.com. "So basically we have the same squad available as we had for Moscow."
28/09/03 Bergkamp injured
Dennis got a kick on his fibula in the 1-1 draw against Man Utd and couldn't play in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Newcastle. He'll certainly miss next Tuesday's trip to Moscow because of his fear of flying but he might also be missing from the Liverpool -clash next Saturday.
14/09/03 Disappointing draw for the Gunners
Despite a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth yesterday, Arsenal is still at the top of the table. This time Bergkamp started the match and almost scored one in the second half, but his shot from short range was saved by Hislop. Dennis had a bit quiet game and Wiltord replaced him in the 75th minute.
31/08/03 Site News: Get your 100 Bergkamp goals!
Now you can get amazing 'Centurions' video or (double) DVD which includes 100 goals each from Bergkamp & Thierry Henry! This is a MUST for all Arsenal fans. You can buy 'Centurions' from Amazon via the other stuff -page. There's even a free UK delivery on orders over £25, so why not to buy the end of season review 02/03 at the same time?
31/08/03 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for September. Previous poll results: 38% of you believe that Bergkamp's role in the Arsenal team will be minor than last season. Total of 80 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
30/08/03 Gunners head East
Arsenal are facing two trips deep into eastern Europe without the influence of Dennis Bergkamp in their bid to reach the Champions League knock-out stage. Bergkamp, who does not like air travel, will be unable to travel to either Dynamo Kiev or Lokomotiv Moscow, while the glamorous trip to Inter Milan will presumably also be beyond him.
24/08/03 Site News: No updates for a while
I'm not able to update the site on 25/8 - 29/8 and 1/9 - 13/9, so no news headlines will appear on the site during those periods.
06/08/03 Site News: New poll of the month
See the poll of the month for August. Previous poll results: 66% of you believe that the 2003/04 season will be Bergkamp's last at Arsenal. Total of 139 votes were submitted, thanks to all involved.
06/08/03 Arsenal roll over Scottish champions
Bergkamp was back in action against Rangers and assisted the last Arsenal goal scored by Campbell. The final result was 3-0 to the Gunners and Dennis played the first 80 minutes.