Souness blasts Pires theatrics

Arsenal 1 Blackburn Rovers 0

While the pre-match spotlight shone on Thierry Henry amid interest from Chelsea and ahead of the FIFA world player of the year award, it was left to Dennis Bergkamp to score Arsenal's winner.

However, Arsenal were still indebted to their defence and, especially, their keeper Jens Lehmann for protecting their slender lead as they moved back above Chelsea.