Arsenal (2)4 - 3 (2) Everton

Saturday 11th May 2002

Not the greatest game in the World (seems strange saying that about a match that finished 4-3!) but Arsenal's victory over Everton ensured that the Gunners added another couple of records to an already impressive list, and that Thierry Henry took the Golden Boot.

The day started and, of course, ended with awards. First Bob Wilson was rewarded for his loyal service to the club, then Dennis Bergkamp picked up the award for the Premiership Goal of the Season for his superb effort against Newcastle (were you watching Ally McCoist??), Freddie was next up to take the April Player of the month award, then came SuperBob to receive the Football Writers Player of the Year Award and finally Arsene Wenger was awarded the Manager of the month for April.

Le Boss rested Seaman, Adams, Campbell, Keown, Vieira and Ljungberg and handed the Captaincy to Lee Dixon on his last outing for the club.

Initially the changes seemed to make little difference with Dennis Bergkamp slotting home an early goal after a mix-up in the Everton defence. But with Oleg Luzhny and Igor Stepanovs in the Arsenal line-up there was always likely to be an element of slapstick at the back.

First Igor attempted a crazy pass from the byline which went straight to Thomas Radzinski. He found Lee Carsley who equalised with a well-struck effort.

Then with Arsenal's largely second-string team in lethargic mood, Everton increased their lead, Radzinski scoring after a good run.

It didn't seem to effect the party atmosphere too much, but it would have been a shame to end the season on a losing note, so it was a relief to see Henry grab an equaliser after being set up by Bergkamp.

The game trundled along in the second half, ultimately swinging Arsenal's way when Le Boss introduced Patrick Vieira and Francis Jeffers to the action. Vieira injected some urgency and after upping the tempo, Arsenal regained the lead with a goal from Thierry Henry which was enough to earn him the Golden Boot (Ruud Van Who??).

Stuart Taylor came on to claim his 10th appearance of the season and earn a Championship medal. Henry then made it his mission to lay on a goal for Franny Jeffers. After spurning a couple of good opportunities, the former Everton striker finally accepted one of his chances to head home Arsenal's fourth of the game.

There was still time for Everton to grab a third goal through Steve Watson. By then no-one was really bothered about the scoreline. The final whistle was met with cheers, we waved Lee Dixon and Gilles Grimandi goodbye, and the real business of picking up the Premiership trophy and celebrating got underway.

So Arsenal scored in every game, broke the Premeirship record for consecutive wins, became the first team to remain unbeaten away from home since 1889 and finished the season seven points clear of second placed Liverpool. Not bad. Now what do we do for an encore?