The return to Arsenal of their highest goal scorer, Thierry Henry, has raised eyebrows around the football world, but it is a happening that had the vast majority of those within agreeing that, for Arsene Wenger’s side at the current time, he is a very worthwhile addition. Of course, he won’t recreate the form that made him one of the world’s greatest players, but he can certainly help out them out; as evidenced by his grabbing of the decisive goal in Monday night’s 1-0 win in the FA Cup third round tie against Leeds United. Without him, they could very well be staring at a replay and a difficult trip to Elland Road. The reception he received each time he turned up to watch a match when playing for Barcelona and New York Red Bulls showed there was no bad feeling over his departure in 2007. Any performances that don’t match up to his peerless displays in his heyday will not be frowned upon and will not diminish his status with fans of the Gunners, so it is a great move for both sides. In fact, it will probably endear him to them even more than before as it shows he really cares for the club and more importantly, he is genuinely assisting them in what is shaping up to be a tricky period. If there was only one attacking player that Wenger could have brought in then maybe long-term target, Lukas Podolski, would have been preferable, but don’t tell me it would be better to not have Henry. It is better having him as cover than no one and considering that his stay is likely to only be until the end of February, there wouldn’t be much chance for him to do wrong. The way he countered the offside trap and then slotted home the winner on Monday proves he’s still got the skills needed. We’ve seen the benefits of what a temporary switch can do in the past. Henrik Larsson’s brief period at Manchester United five years ago reaped rewards for the club. The Swedish striker who was 36 at the time (two years older than Henry is now) only scored three goals in his seventeen appearances for United, but it was his link-up play that played such a vital role in the build up to their attacks, contributing to many goals and a subsequent title win. Many forwards drop further back in the field of play once they reach the twilight of their career especially those who relied a lot on their pace such Larsson and maybe that’s what Henry will do. His impact may be more understated, but he will make an impact nonetheless. Supporters of Arsenal’s north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, will testify the huge influence of a comeback hero in the form of Jurgen Klinsmann, who returned to the club in 1997 having first left two years previously. In a relegation threatened season, Klinsmann scored nine goals in fifteen league games, including four in Tottenham’s 6-2 win against Wimbledon, which went a long way to securing his side’s top-flight status. Although it was a great account, he made a slow start initially – certainly not as explosive as his first stint in the 1994/1995 campaign – but it turned out to be a very successful return for the German. The same will inevitably apply to Henry. He hasn’t been brought in as their big summer signing. It’s just a handy short-term solution for both him and Arsenal: he keeps fit by training and playing for them, whilst preparing for the start of the new Major League Soccer season, and the Gunners gain a rather good player in a position where they have a very limited supply at their disposal. It’s a win-win situation as yes, he’s got the ability and he is cheap, which is helpful, particularly with the club being a little prudent when it comes to acquiring new faces. So no one should underestimate the positive influence of the second coming of Thierry Henry. Feel free to leave me any comments on here and/or on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr or YouTube:
https://www.facebook.com/rickymurraywriter, rickymurraywriter.tumblr.com, www.youtube.com/rickymurraymusic
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.