Going into the second half they were well on course to going five points clear of Manchester United with two games remaining.

A moment of carelessness from Martin Keown almost cost Arsenal dear when he misdirected a header straight to Rod Wallace.

The Bolton striker smashed in a shot but Ljungberg, who had tracked back, made a timely block.

Now it was Arsenal’s turn to be on the back foot and Per Frandsen rattled in a shot that was diverted to safety by Ashley Cole.

The England full-back was rewarded for his bravery at closing the Dane down by being poleaxed.

Cole quickly recovered but Arsenal were struggling to stamp their authority on the game.

However, they gave an indication of how potent they could be in the 33rd minute.

Patrick Vieira picked out Ray Parlour in acres of space 30 yards out.

He thumped in a shot that whistled inches past Jaaskelainen’s right hand post.

It was a sign of things to come, with Arsenal taking the lead in the 35th minute with a wonderful goal.

Vieira played the ball into Bergkamp and there did not look to be anything on.

However, he showed neat footwork to release Ljungberg, who made no mistake.

It was his sixth goal in his last five league games to bring his tally to 16 for the season.

Ljungberg’s sweet strike was just the boost Arsenal needed and they added a second a minute before the break.

Bergkamp played the ball through the middle and Wiltord times his run to perfection before steering a shot through Jaaskelainen’s legs.