Bergkamp’s last-ditch goal saves the day

Arsenal 2 FC Thun1

But in reality, the cracks were only papered over after the Gunners made heavy weather of overcoming a team who were playing amateur Swiss third division football in front of crowds of just 100 only nine years ago.

Having already lost to Chelsea and Middlesbrough in their first four league games, and with their European form still questioned, the last thing that Arsene Wenger needed was for Van Persie to be harshly dismissed just before half-time.