WHEN Claus Jensen dispossessed Arsenal midfield and World Cup-winning star Patrick Vieira at Highbury, his immediate intentions seemed clear.

With the Addicks 2-1 up against the title challengers on their own ground, and support from his team-mates nowhere in sight, Jensen's best option was simply to keep possession or, maybe, win a corner.

Instead, the Danish midfielder took one look, and from a position close to the touch-line, produced a delicate chip that floated gently over the stranded Arsenal goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

On a day when the impossible became believable and Charlton won at Highbury for the first time since 1955 it was the moment that defined an incredible match. A fortnight later and it's that memorable strike, rather than the recent PFA-inspired ballot, which people most want to quiz Jensen about, and he admits it was a moment of inspiration.

"Sometimes you just see an opportunity and have a go to find out what happens," he said. "It could have gone anywhere. In fact, they often do. But we were having a good day and this time, it came off.

"Sometimes, you don't really think about what you're going to do, you just do whatever comes into your mind. But it was nice to see it go in."

After notching what will surely be one of the contenders for the goal of the season award, Jensen also created the Addicks fourth goal, weaving through three challenges before supplying Jason Euell with a perfect pass so the striker could coolly slot the ball home.

The 24-year-old Jensen added: "Although Saturday's defeat against South-ampton was a bit disappoin- ting, it's great to be back in the team and playing well.

"I hadn't been injured for about two years until this season. But when I first started to suffer with a sore foot during the pre-season tour, I didn't realise that it would keep me out of action for about six weeks.

"It was a very frustrating time. I love playing football and, if you include the summer break, the lay-off meant I was unable to play seriously for around three and a half months."

For a man who loves to play football, World Cup years are a Godsend, and there seems no doubt that Jensen will be asked to represent his country in Japan and South Korea next May.

"It's the biggest arena in the world," he admitted. "I'd love to be part of it. I've always wanted to play in the World Cup but although I'm regularly getting called up at the moment, that counts for nothing if I'm not there next year.

"First and foremost, I've got to keep playing well for Charlton. I suppose a few more goals like the one against Arsenal would help as well!"

December 4, 2001 22:52