Of course Rioch\u2019s Highbury sojourn came to an abrupt end and in September 1996 Ars\u00e8ne Wenger took the reins. Bergkamp needn\u2019t have fretted over his place in the Frenchman\u2019s plans, though, and Wenger later claimed Dennis\u2019 presence in the ranks had been \u201ca blessing, a gift when I arrived\u201d.<\/p>\n
And so it was that under the tutelage of Wenger, Bergkamp redefined football in England\u2019s top division. His textbook technique, physical prowess and second-nature for picking out the killer pass made him the ultimate symbol of fantasy football. Our double season in 1997\/98 saw Dennis scoop both major Player of Year awards to go with his championship and FA Cup medals.<\/p>\n The highlight of his campaign was a sensational hat-trick at Leicester City, three of 120 during his time in N5, making him the 10th highest goalscorer in the club\u2019s history; quite the achievement for a man who doesn\u2019t do tap-ins.<\/p>\n The swivel at St James\u2019, the lob against Leverkusen – goals coming just four days apart – and of course the belter against Bolton that assured us a place in Europe. Everything Bergkamp did oozed class. From his rifle-sight accuracy with either foot or his exploitation of space, the Dutchman was the hub of our creativity for a decade.<\/p>\n \n Read more<\/span> <\/p>\n He would end his time at the club with further league titles in 2002 and 2004 – the latter seeing him rightly so become Invincible – as well as three FA Cups. We waved goodbye to his talents on the same day we said farewell to Highbury, but his legacy lives on at Emirates Stadium. His testimonial in 2006 was the maiden first-team match held at the venue, while a statue of him was unveiled outside the Clock End in 2014.<\/p>\n Enjoy a feature length Dennis Bergkamp documentary <\/span>
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