 The appointment of Arsène Wenger as Arsenal manager in September 1996 marked a turning point in Bergkamp 's career . Wenger , who had moderate success coaching in France and Japan , recognised Bergkamp 's talent and wanted to use him as a fulcrum of the team 's forward play . Both were advocates of a continental style of attacking football , and Wenger 's decision to impose a strict fitness and health regime pleased Bergkamp . Despite making fewer appearances in the 1996 – 97 season , Bergkamp was more influential in the first team , creating 13 assists . Against Tottenham Hotspur in November 1996 , he set up an 88th @-@ minute winner for captain Tony Adams to volley in using his left foot . He then scored in injury time , controlling a high ball with his left foot and evading his marker Stephen Carr in a tight area to set up his shot . Bergkamp received his first red card against Sunderland in January 1997 for a high tackle on midfielder Paul Bracewell in the 26th minute . Arsenal went on to lose the match 1 – 0 , but a run of eight wins in their final 16 matches gave the club a third @-@ place finish , missing out on a spot in the Champions League via goal difference . 
