The Return Of The King [Redux]

Dumping Carragher on his ass. Thierry Henry.

As 2011 came to a close there were more than whispers that Thierry Henry would return to the club on loan, in a period when Arsenal definitely needed freshening up. Just how much impact he might have was a source of great speculation, with factions both for and against the move. To pay homage to his second spell at the club I wanted to select a trademark moment from our French master, perhaps optimistically wishing for a revival of Henry’s vintage form.

Which to choose from so many? The volley versus United? The Charlton backheel? The 227^th goal [even if the 226^th was way nicer, and by the way how fitting that he would tie Ian Wright’s record then surpass it in the very same match?], the full length pitch run versus Tottenham? I decided on this goal, that played such a crucial role in Arsenal’s crowning achievement.

The Return of the King

Dumping Carragher on his ass. Thierry Henry.

It will be very interesting to see how much of an impact Thierry Henry will have on the current squad. We have all been well advised not to expect moments like this one, when he turned around a deficit to Liverpool to preserve our unbeaten title push after crushing defeats to United and Chelsea in the cup competitions.

But there he was again versus Leeds, peeling off the shoulder of his marker, same foot-same post, making the difference in a match we needed to win and having the kind of impact we need to provide in Van Persie’s absence. And in some cases, he will be available to play in tandem with the Dutchman, in tasty encounters with United, Milan and possibly Tottenham.

I especially enjoyed the uncontainable joy showing through the competitive rage in his celebration afterwards. The normal scowl spoiled by a grin that betrays an ever-growing adoration for Arsenal. I’m very optimistic about the kind of influence that can have on and off the pitch. 


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