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The Return Of Thierry Henry To Arsenal – A Much Needed Boost For The Gunners
Kush Sharma explains why Arsene Wenger is right to go for the Frenchman which shall aid the Gunners immensely...
01-Jan-2012 6:21:00 PM
By Kush Sharma
Getty Images
Mere formalities are all that separate Arsenal from rolling out the red for “The Return of the King”. With a two month loan deal from MLS outfit New York Red Bulls all but done, Arsenal’s highest ever goal scorer, Thierry Henry is on the verge of making a miraculous return to the club where he spent eight years, evolving from a promising French youngster into one of the most feared strikers of all time. As much as this event is an emotional one for anyone associated with the club from North London, its pragmatic nature is for all to see.
Arsene Wenger’s side’s injury woes are as they usually are – deep. With four full backs out in the treatment room, midfielders Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby still some way off from being match fit, and the sure shot departures of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh for the African Cup of Nations, the Gunners risk a potential shortage of manpower if the required business is not taken care of in the January transfer window. Bringing back an “Invincible” is not bad for a start.
Playing with four centre-backs may not be proving out to be ideal for an expansive football playing team like Arsenal, but few would disagree that it is the lack of adequate firepower upfront that is more of an obstacle at the moment. As mesmerizing Robin Van Persie may have been, shouldering the entire burden of slotting the ball in the back of the net is bound to get the better of the Dutchman at some point or the other. The departure of Gervinho and the fluctuating nature of Theo Walcott’s displays only adds to this misery.
This is where Henry can fill in quite effectively. Considering the unlikelihood of a switch of formation by the Arsenal boss, Henry can be accommodated on the left wing as well as the centre of Arsenal’s forward line in the 4-3-3. Whilst the 34 year old Frenchman has without a doubt lost the blistering pace that once used to strike terror in the best of defenders, the quality to unlock the opposition still persists firmly, though it comes more from deft touches and an eagle like vision.
Per Mertesacker recently conveyed the class exhibited by Henry during the training sessions with his former club. Wenger too admitted that he decided to resign the former Gunner the very first day he saw him train in Arsenal’s training ground at London Colney.
This would not only aid in overcoming any sort of shortage upfront, but also enhance the scope of rotation within the squad, which is bound to be crucial considering the heavy run-in of fixtures in January.
Besides that, the psychological impact of a man who boasts of being equipped with every possible major honour is something that cannot be ignored. The winning mentality is contagious and even the mere presence of a club legend can do wonders for a team that is yet to win any major trophy since last six years.
For instance, bringing on Henry instead of Chamakh, in the last twenty minutes against Wolves in the Gunners’ previous game which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, would have had a much deeper impact on the game. Having won 26 points in their last 11 Premiership games, Arsene Wenger’s side could do with an infusion of belief and leadership.
And though Henry might not be the same unforgiving figure who used to impose his dominance on every aspect of the game, he certainly still commands respect. A whole lot of it.
The only blunder Wenger can commit now in the ensuing transfer window is to ignore any further business. Not only would that result in unanswered questions as far as squad depth is concerned, it would significantly augment the pressure on the lone signing of Henry. A winger and a left back should be the priority. Henry’s duties as a cover are more likely to bear fruit than using him as a regular.
Another immense impact of this move is it involves the fans. Even though Henry would only be at the club for 2 months, the joy at the Emirates to see one of Arsenal’s finest ever pull on the colours of red and white once again will be through the roof. It would be louder, more emphatic and go a long way in depreciating the criticism of The Emirates not being as “passionate’ as Highbury.
Whatever be the events surrounding the Arsenal football club at the moment and however many clubs may Thierry Henry have played for; there is only one place that he calls home.
And he is back!
Arsene Wenger’s side’s injury woes are as they usually are – deep. With four full backs out in the treatment room, midfielders Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby still some way off from being match fit, and the sure shot departures of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh for the African Cup of Nations, the Gunners risk a potential shortage of manpower if the required business is not taken care of in the January transfer window. Bringing back an “Invincible” is not bad for a start.
 |
| “I’m just hoping that Thierry Henry will realise he’s not the player he once was and won’t try to hog the limelight.” |
| – Former Gunner Stewart Robson |
Playing with four centre-backs may not be proving out to be ideal for an expansive football playing team like Arsenal, but few would disagree that it is the lack of adequate firepower upfront that is more of an obstacle at the moment. As mesmerizing Robin Van Persie may have been, shouldering the entire burden of slotting the ball in the back of the net is bound to get the better of the Dutchman at some point or the other. The departure of Gervinho and the fluctuating nature of Theo Walcott’s displays only adds to this misery.
This is where Henry can fill in quite effectively. Considering the unlikelihood of a switch of formation by the Arsenal boss, Henry can be accommodated on the left wing as well as the centre of Arsenal’s forward line in the 4-3-3. Whilst the 34 year old Frenchman has without a doubt lost the blistering pace that once used to strike terror in the best of defenders, the quality to unlock the opposition still persists firmly, though it comes more from deft touches and an eagle like vision.
Per Mertesacker recently conveyed the class exhibited by Henry during the training sessions with his former club. Wenger too admitted that he decided to resign the former Gunner the very first day he saw him train in Arsenal’s training ground at London Colney.
 |
| “Nobody expects Thierry Henry to be what he was 10 years ago, we just want him to help out" |
| – Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger |
This would not only aid in overcoming any sort of shortage upfront, but also enhance the scope of rotation within the squad, which is bound to be crucial considering the heavy run-in of fixtures in January.
Besides that, the psychological impact of a man who boasts of being equipped with every possible major honour is something that cannot be ignored. The winning mentality is contagious and even the mere presence of a club legend can do wonders for a team that is yet to win any major trophy since last six years.
For instance, bringing on Henry instead of Chamakh, in the last twenty minutes against Wolves in the Gunners’ previous game which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, would have had a much deeper impact on the game. Having won 26 points in their last 11 Premiership games, Arsene Wenger’s side could do with an infusion of belief and leadership.
And though Henry might not be the same unforgiving figure who used to impose his dominance on every aspect of the game, he certainly still commands respect. A whole lot of it.
 |
| Is Arsene Wenger Wise To Bring Back Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry In January? |
| Goal.com wants to know what you think |
The only blunder Wenger can commit now in the ensuing transfer window is to ignore any further business. Not only would that result in unanswered questions as far as squad depth is concerned, it would significantly augment the pressure on the lone signing of Henry. A winger and a left back should be the priority. Henry’s duties as a cover are more likely to bear fruit than using him as a regular.
Another immense impact of this move is it involves the fans. Even though Henry would only be at the club for 2 months, the joy at the Emirates to see one of Arsenal’s finest ever pull on the colours of red and white once again will be through the roof. It would be louder, more emphatic and go a long way in depreciating the criticism of The Emirates not being as “passionate’ as Highbury.
Whatever be the events surrounding the Arsenal football club at the moment and however many clubs may Thierry Henry have played for; there is only one place that he calls home.
And he is back!
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