Ljungberg 4, Bergkamp 80, Pires 88 
Arsene Wenger's 400th game as Arsenal's manager ended with a great deal of relief as the Gunners scored another impressive win at St. Andrews.
Arsenal made a dream start with a fourth minute strike from Freddie Ljungberg and sealed the game with two late strikes from Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires.
Steve Bruce, who rates Thierry Henry as the best player in the world, was disappointed with the Blues start when their usually compact defence was given the run around by Arsenal's hugely talented striker.
It was a mistake by Kenny Cunningham which led to the opening goal. His clearance was knocked down by Bergkamp who switched the ball to Henry, who in turn found Ljungberg with a pass which was clinically converted.
Blues appeared overawed for 20 minutes and it was only a surging run from Stan Lazaridis which raised their spirits.
The Australian went close to equalising but failed to make a clear contact with a low cross from the industrious David Dunn.
Despite their weakened team Arsenal were still in control and Henry very nearly increased their lead early in the second half with a cross shot which was deflected for a corner.
To their credit Blues kept to their task with Robbie Savage and Dunn key players as they pressurised Arsenal.
Their best chance of a goal came when Forssell's header from a Savage cross went just wide.
But Arsenal moved back on to the attack with another outstanding goal when Bergkamp ran 50 yards on to an Henry throughball to chip his shot over Maik Taylor in the 80th minute.
Arsenal sealed the 227th win under Arsene Wenger's control two minutes from time when Pires scored their third goal.