We were most certainly not at our best, as we struggled to create any meaningful opportunities for the majority of the first half, before a moment of inspiration from Hleb conjured a goal from nothing.
After the break we were all waiting for one thing; Dennis to come on. When he did, the ground erupted, but it also made the players lose focus, and West Brom took their chance to equalise.
Fortunately, we regained the lead within five minutes of them drawing level, with Dennis laying the ball to Pires after the keeper had parried his original shot.
Dennis himself then rounded off the day, with a typical curling finish from outside the area; just how much are we going to miss him?
Finally, a big thank you on behalf of REDaction to all those who made the effort to wear orange, and to those who got a free t shirt and actually put it on!
Jens Lehmann (7) Could do nothing with the goal
Mathieu Flamini (7) Defended well.
Philippe Senderos (7) Led the backline.
Kolo Toure (7) Some last ditch challenges helped us.
Emmanuel Eboue (6) A defensive slip nearly cot us two points.
Jose Reyes (6) Full of running, but it didn't lead anywhere.
Abou Diaby (6) Strong in the tackle
Gilberto (7) Swept up all around him.
Alexander Hleb (8) Looked threatening throughout.
Robin Van Persie (4) Struggled to get into the game.
Thierry Henry (6) One great tackle, and one great miss and a 30 minute rest.
Subs:
Robert Pires (6) Settled straight in and got a goal.
Dennis Bergkamp (7) It was just meant to be!
Emmanuel Adebayour (5) Caught offside far too many times.