Monday 9th January, 59,000 people near fill the Emirates Stadium, most of them are hoping to see an Arsenal victory, but also and perhaps even upper most in their minds, they are there to witness the return of the King. Thierry Henry has signed a loan spell to spend the next two months at Arsenal, while the NY Bulls are in their off season.
Henry is of course Arsenal's top goal scorer, but more than that for several seasons he ruled supreme in the Premiership. A player of skill, speed, and va va voom. It's seven years since he left for Barcelona where he won a hatful of trophies and especially a Champions League winners medal that eluded him at Arsenal. Henry has been at pains to spell out that at 34,he's not the same player that left London for Spain. He insists he's here to help the Club.
On the night Arsene Wenger uses him as a substitute. The Arsenal strike force waste chances created by the probing Arsenal midfield. Immediately after half time Henry warms up along the touchline, the crowd roars and rises. With approximately 20 remaining he gets the call from the bench. Ironically Henry is to take the field accompanied by Theo Walcott who has taken over the No14 shirt, but who struggles to fill it. Henry has chosen N012, and takes the field.
Leeds , the opposition, have "set their stall out" for the draw, but Henry has different ideas, with his fifth touch of the ball he receives aperfectly weighted through pass from Alex Song; his first touch brings it exquisitely under control and his next curls it past the Leeds keeper into the bottom corner of the net. It's a good we've all seen before. There has been no more deadly predator in the inside left channel than Henry.
He takes off down the touchline as the crowd erupt, he embraces Arsene Wenger as he is mobbed by team mates. there are 12 minutes remaining, now he offers reassurance and advice to the young players around him, he knows how to "kill a game". At the final whistle, he walks to Arsenal supporters, arms aloft, clearly emotional.
The King has returned.
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