Bergkamp leads Arsenal past Everton 7-0
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-12 08:57

Dennis Bergkamp scored a goal and set up three others as Arsenal beat Everton 7-0 Wednesday for the club's biggest win in nine years under manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini celebrates with team mates after scoring against Everton during their English Premiership soccer match at Arsenal's Highbury ground in London, Wednesday, May 11, 2005. [AP]

Robert Pires had two goals for Arsenal, and Robin van Persie, Edu, Patrick Vieira and Mathieu Flamini scored one apiece in the next-to-last Premier League game of the season for both teams.

Arsenal will finish second behind champion Chelsea and get an automatic berth next season in the UEFA Champions League. Third-place Manchester United and Everton, which will finish fourth, must go through the qualifying process to reach the main draw of the continent's top soccer tournament.

Bergkamp set up the first goal, crossing to van Persie, who beat goalkeeper Richard Wright after nine minutes.

Dutchman Bergkamp, who turned 36 Tuesday, is seeking a one-year contract extension with the Gunners. Arsenal fans chanted "one more year" throughout the match. Bergkamp is likely to retire if he doesn't renew with the Gunners.

"Hopefully, we can sort something out," said Bergkamp, who has been at Arsenal since 1995.

Wenger said he's made his decision on Bergkamp's future, but isn't ready to make an announcement until the end of the season. After Sunday's Premier League finale in Birmingham, Arsenal plays Manchester United for the FA Cup on May 21 in Cardiff, Wales.

"You have to be special to play at 36 at this level, and he's super special," Wenger said of Bergkamp.

Pires scored in the 11th minute, heading the ball over Wright, making his first appearance in three months.

Bergkamp then set up Vieira in the 37th minute

Striker Thierry Henry, returning to the squad after missing a month with a groin injury, replaced van Persie in the second half.

After a move started by Bergkamp, Henry fed Pires to put Arsenal up 4-0 after 50 minutes.

Arsenal's dominance continued. The Gunners were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute when Everton defender Lee Carsley was penalized for handball. Henry ceded the moment to Edu, who converted in his final game at Highbury.

The Brazilian's contract will expire after the season.

Bergkamp scored in the 77th, controlling an aerial ball and beating Wright. Flamini, who replaced Vieira, added Arsenal's final goal in the 85th.

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made a strong save to deny Everton's Duncan Ferguson in the closing minutes.

Everton conceded 14 goals in three matches against Arsenal this season.

"I am embarrassed by tonight's performance," manager David Moyes said.

It wasn't the biggest win in Premier League history. Manchester United holds the record with a 9-0 victory over Ipswich in 1995.

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