In the end it was so predictable, but a different approach to refereeing this game could have given Hammers a genuine chance of upsetting the odds.

Few would have given them a chance at Highbury anyway, but the early and debatable dismissal of Steve Lomas ended even the limited hope of snatching a point.

But official Mike Dean made matters still worse by failing to penalise Dennis Bergkamp for what looked like at blatant elbow in the face of Lee Bowyer in the build up to the Gunners' crucial second goal.

In between those key events the Irons had battled bravely to remain at 1-1, despite an Arsenal onslaught.

Jermain Defoe, left to battle alone for long periods, gleefully slotted home under David Seaman and -- for a time -- the impossible mission seemed to be achievable.

But in reality their fate was sealed after just 12 minutes when Robert Pires tumbled in the box under a tame Lomas challenge.

It probably was a penalty, although the Frenchman made the most of it, but it is hard to see what inspired the red card which banished Lomas to the stands.

Henry tucked away the spot kick, sending James the wrong way and prompting the home crowd to anticipate an avalanche.

But it did not materialise, thanks largely to James' impressive display.

But relentless pressure continued after the break and eventually Hammers cracked.

On 71 minutes Bergkamp shrugged off Joe Cole then appeared to elbow Bowyer before crossing for the unmarked Henry to head home.

Despite Hammers' fury, the goal stood and the game was finally up.

And with four minutes left Henry completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish from a slick counter-attack involving Pires and Bergkamp as the Gunners showed off their class.

Published Monday, January 20, 2003

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