Tag Archives: Thierry Henry

Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal: Henry winner puts Gunners in 4th

  By jtom | 12/02/2012 - 8:25 AM | Match Report, Premier League, Thierry Henry
Leave a comment

“Thierry Henry finished the story of a legend today,” Arsene Wenger said after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Sunderland. Henry’s fairytale return has been truly magical, but, more importantly, Saturday’s win pushed the Gunners back into the top four.

The three points would not have been awarded to Arsenal had Wenger not made three brilliant substitutions. Aaron Ramsey scored with his first touch in the 75th minute, while Andrei Arshavin and Henry combined for the winner in the first minute of added time.

There is a bit of irony in it all because, just a few weeks ago, Wenger was vilified for taking off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Arshavin. On Saturday, all three changes turned out to be masterstrokes, yet it appears that the same level of attention is not given when Wenger’s subs do work perfectly.

Unfortunately, one of those brilliant substitutions will be on his way back to New York on Thursday, right after the clash with AC Milan. They say you can never go back, but don’t tell that to Thierry Henry. Five years after he left the Emirates Stadium, Henry has returned in glorious fashion.

When asked whether this was his last Premier League game for Arsenal, Henry said, “You can never say never. I felt just like a kid who scores his first goal for the team he loves.

“If Arsenal need some help one day I will be around.” (Source: The Sun)

Since he signed on loan, Henry has been an effective tool off the bench for Arsene Wenger. He has scored three goals, including two vital winners against Leeds in the FA Cup and against Sunderland on Saturday. Clearly, he has not lost the finishing touch that made him one of the most prolific strikers in the history of English football.

Perhaps Henry’s biggest contribution in his second term at Arsenal has been helping the Gunners find their way into the top four. The importance of qualifying for the Champions League cannot be understated, and even with the relatively poor quality of our squad, we can still avoid the crisis of finishing outside of the top four.

Due to the failures of our rivals, we are now sitting in fourth, if only by goal difference. Our competitors for the fourth spot (Chelsea, Liverpool, and Newcastle) all lost on Saturday. The race for the top four is far from over, but we are currently in the driver’s seat.

Despite Henry’s legendary comeback and Arsenal’s jump to fourth, Per Mertesacker probably had one of his worst experiences in football. The German centre-back crumbled to the ground in pain while chasing down the ball. To add insult to injury, James McClean ran past Mertesacker and scored to put Sunderland up by a goal.

The incident was similar to John Terry’s slip at Stamford Bridge that allowed van Persie to walk in and score, but the difference was that Mertesacker actually sustained what looks to be a very serious injury. Wenger provided an update on Per after the game:

“Mertesacker told me that he got a shot in his ankle and couldn’t move at all anymore. We are a bit worried about his ankle I must say because he goes home on crutches. He has done some ligament damage, but how big that is we will have to check tomorrow. For sure he is out for Wednesday.” (Source: Arsenal.com)

Just as it appeared that our defence was starting to get healthy again, Mertesacker goes down with possibly a long-term injury.

Aside from Mertesacker’s injury, Saturday was the perfect day to be a Gooner. All of our closest rivals failed, while we succeeded with a late goal scored by a returning club legend. Now, the attention turns to Milan. Arsenal will try to keep the momentum going at the San Siro on Wednesday night.

Share

Arsenal 1-0 Leeds United: Henry’s dream return (VIDEO)

  By jtom | 10/01/2012 - 7:33 AM | FA Cup, Match Report, Thierry Henry
Leave a comment

Pure magic. With all the pressure mounted upon his shoulders, Thierry Henry scored the winner twelve minutes from the end of the match after coming on as a substitute in his second debut for Arsenal. No best-selling author could have written the story any better; it’s the stuff of legends.

Alex Song spotted Henry as he slipped in behind the Leeds’ backline, and the King provided a lesson in world-class finishing. The calm strike from a tight angle appeared easy, but the best always make the spectacular look simple. Curled into the far corner, the goal was certainly vintage Henry. Cool, calm, and collected.

The celebration showcased Henry’s endearing love to Arsenal, and also his passion for success. He ran towards the corner flag with his arms outstretched and his mouth open in delight, before running to hug Arsene Wenger. Then came the customary chest-thumping that we’ve come to know and love. I would like to see more of this kind of passionate celebration to help bring the fans into the game.

After the match, Henry made it a point to say that this goal was different from the other 226: “I am enjoying the club as a fan where I wasn’t before: now I know how people feel when they score for the club they support.” (Source: The Guardian)

Our all-time top goalscorer also took time during a post-match interview to dedicate the performance to Paul Johnson and his mother, who recently passed away. She worked in Henry’s box at Ashburton Grove, and Paul currently works for Arsenal Football Club. It was a nice gesture from a player who sometimes seems nasty on the pitch.

Before Henry’s special moment, the match was truly dull. Andrei Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh proved again to be an ineffective duo. While the little Russian at least created a few chances, Chamakh was completely off the pace. Both players are clearly trying hard to regain their top form, but, at the moment, it is nowhere close to good enough.

Arsene Wenger’s side dominated the match in terms of possession and total shots, but Leeds remained strong at the back. They didn’t pose a serious threat on Szczesny’s goal until late in the game, when Ross McCormack’s header went straight into the open arms of the Polish keeper. If the Leeds striker would have directed his shot towards either corner, Henry’s coming-home party may have ended in disappointment.

Another match, another injury to an Arsenal defender. This time, Francis Coquelin succumbed to an injury in the first half and Nico Yennaris had to replace him. After the match, Arsene Wenger revealed that Coquelin suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for a “few weeks.”

Aston Villa will visit the Emirates Stadium for the FA Cup Fourth Round. Last season, we were eliminated in the Fourth Round after falling to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Hopefully, the Gunners will take advantage of their relatively easy draw to advance further in what is our most winnable competition this year.

Thierry Henry secured Arsenal’s position in the next round of the cup after rescuing Arsene Wenger’s side from a replay at Elland Road. After downplaying expectations, he became a hero once more. Henry’s goal will be one of, if not the best, Arsenal moments of this season, and one of the great moments in the short history of Ashburton Grove. Henry said post-match:

“I hope I won’t wake up tomorrow and someone’s going to tell me that it was a dream.”

Gooners all across the globe shared Henry’s sentiment on Monday night.

Share

Thierry Henry warns about high expectations

  By jtom | 07/01/2012 - 8:00 AM | Thierry Henry
1 Comment
Thierry Henry

He's back.

Theirry Henry’s two-month loan deal to Arsenal was finalised on Friday, just in time to register him for upcoming match against Leeds. The King has returned home, but Henry is warning supporters that he may not not even make the bench.

Judging by the amount of articles, pictures, and videos Arsenal have published on their official website regarding Henry in the last two days, one would think that we have just signed Messi to a long-term contract. Even though he will only be with the club until the end of Feburary at the latest, the hype around Theirry’s comeback has grown exponentially.

On Friday, Henry said: “It looks more like I’m going to be a bench player. Or maybe not on the bench but more of an ‘out of the side’ type of player. I hope people are not going to compare what I did here before.” (Source: Arsenal.com)

I think our all-time top goalscorer is seriously overestimating the quality, or lack thereof, of our bench. If a player has a contract, a shirt number, and is over the age of 15, he’ll probably be selected by Arsene Wenger. Possibly, Henry was just having a laugh, though he didn’t look playful when he said it.

Most Gooners are only expecting Henry to improve on what Marouane Chamakh has done this season, which is not much to ask. In fact, unless Henry scores several own goals, he will better the Chamakh’s feeble performances.

While he clearly wants to help out, Thierry Henry made it clear that he is not coming back to be a “hero.” From what I understand, he no longer has a massive ego, so hopefully there will be no scowling at the younger players. Playing in the MLS will certainly humble a player, as will age.

Arsene Wenger said at his pre-Leeds press conference that Henry “will be involved” for the FA Cup tie on Monday night at the Emirates Stadium, though not for the full 90 minutes. Both Wenger and Henry said that some conditioning will be needed to regain top fitness.

Of course, Henry expressed plenty of emotion during his first interview: “Arsenal and me has always been a love story, with some bad days. Hopefully people agree with me that there were more good days than bad, but I just love the Club.

“For me being able to come here and train, being in the dressing room and seeing all the training staff, I have no words to describe it. To wear the jersey one more time, I can only be honoured. People might think I am just saying that, but when I left this Club I cried and I cried for the statue. I haven’t cried a lot in my career, but when I do it seems that something is happening with Arsenal.

“In my time here I always tried to be honest, and I think the fans can see that. When I am happy, I am happy and when I am not they can see it too. They say love is blind, but it is difficult for me to say no to Arsenal.” (Source: Arsenal.com)

I think I almost developed a tear in my eye.

Share

Arsenal to offer Thierry Henry loan deal

  By jtom | 29/12/2011 - 7:30 AM | Transfer News
2 Comments

The last ever game at Highbury

As we get closer to January, it looks more and more likely that Arsenal will sign Thierry Henry on a two-month loan deal. Reports are already suggesting that a contract is on the table because Arsene Wenger would like to bring the legendary Gunner back as quickly as possible.

According to the Daily Mail and The Telegraph, Arsenal have offered Henry a chance to join the club on loan, though any deal would have to be approved by the New York Red Bulls. The top scorer in the history of our club would have to return to America at the end of February. If the deal goes through, the Gunners will probably have to cover Henry’s £70,000 a week wages.

Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho are set to leave for the African Cup of Nations very soon. Arsene Wenger’s forwards options will be extremely limited, and that’s why he is looking to bring his old pal to the Emirates. Of course, Chamakh would have been a better help to the team had he been absent since the start of the season.

If Henry returns, and it looks like he will, it will be a little awkward. His recently unveiled statue outside the stadium has prompted many supporters to remember his glory years. Make no mistake, Henry is not the player he was when he left Arsenal. The terrific pace is all but gone, though he still retains his brilliant technique and skill.

Everything is in place for a tearful return to North London after several years apart, but there are still some worrying aspects of this potential move. Henry has spent the last two seasons playing in the MLS, a league that is played at a far lower pace than the Premier League. Also, if he were to greatly disappoint in his stint at our club, there is a chance that his legacy could be tarnished ever so slightly because lasting impressions linger long.

Even if Henry is scintillating, he will have to go back to the Red Bulls at the beginning of March. He is not a permanent solution. What if Robin van Persie is suddenly forced to miss significant time in March? There are rumours that Arsene Wenger could bring in Lukas Podolski in addition to Henry, which would alleviate the previous concern.

Most Gooners only have to mention one name in order to convince other supporters that signing Henry is a good idea: Marouane Chamakh. It’s hard to argue, so I won’t. He is our woeful insurance policy for van Persie. Thierry Henry, even at age 34, could certainly provide more help off the bench than the Moroccan striker.

Taking everything into account, signing Henry on a two-month loan wouldn’t be a bad idea. Surely, the addition of Henry to the squad will provide morale boost to a side already strong in team spirit. Maybe my nostalgia is taking over, but if Wenger, who watches Henry in training every day, believes that the French forward can still perform at a high level, then Henry should be brought back home.

Share

Wenger to decide on Thierry Henry, left-back loan moves

  By jtom | 24/12/2011 - 8:00 AM | Arsene Wenger, Injury News, Transfer News
Leave a comment

Arsene Wenger will spend his Christmas considering whether to bring Thierry Henry back to the Gunners. He will also be looking for opportunities to sign a left-back on loan because Kieran Gibbs will not return until the end of January at the very earliest.

Instead of relaxing on Christmas day, Arsene Wenger will be mulling over a move for Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. On the possibility of signing Henry on a short-term loan, Wenger said: “That’s why I have Christmas Day off – I have to think about that.

“Short-term is ideal for us, but I haven’t made any enquiry yet. Thierry is not here at the moment. It has never come up in conversation! The first of January is the vital date for us. We have seven days to make decisions and I will make a decision in the next seven days on players.”

Since the end of the MLS season, Henry has been training with the Arsenal players. With Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho set to head to the African Cup of Nations, Henry could provide cover in case Robin van Persie is forced to miss any length of time. Only a deal around two months would work, because the New York Red Bulls will likely want him back to prepare for their season.

I’m very conflicted on this issue. On one hand, it would be lovely to see Henry back in the red and white. On other hand, we may find that Henry is only a shell of his former self. Our last memory of the legend could be watching him limp off the pitch after struggling to keep up with the pace of the Premier League.

If Robin does have to miss some time (I’m purposely avoiding the “i” word), then we will have to rely on Ju Young Park, who has not exactly shined in his few appearances for Arsenal. And Henry cannot possibly do any worse than Chamakh. If Henry is impressive in training, might as well sign him up for two months.

Arsene Wenger also revealed that left-back Kieran Gibbs will be out for one month. He underwent a groin operation that will keep him off the pitch until at least the end of January. Every time it appears Gibbs has recovered, another injury pushes back his return.

A few days ago, Wenger said his decision on whether to enter the left-back market would depend on the condition of Kieran Gibbs. Regarding the chances of signing a full-back in January, Wenger said on Friday:

“It depends now on how quickly Sagna [will come back]. He has started to run a little bit. I have to see what is available – if I have a good opportunity then why not? But I haven’t made any enquiry yet, so for the moment no Wayne Bridge or anyone else. It is of course something we look at but as well it depends on how long you have to take them.

“They have a big impact on your wages as well. If you have to sign a player for three or four years and then you have three or four left backs, only one can play, so they are not happy.

“It can only be a short-term solution for us because we have bought Santos, we have Gibbs, we have Vermaelen who can play there, so we do not need a long-term solution.”

We will likely sign a full-back next month because we cannot continue to play four centre-backs constantly, without ever giving them a rest. Manchester City’s goal last week was primarily due to Koscielny’s bad positioning, and he was, of course, playing out of position at right-back. Vermaelen’s mistake against Aston Villa on Wednesday led to Marc Albrighton’s goal. He was playing on the left at the time, and made a poor pass back to Per Mertesacker.

Being the football-crazed man that he is, Wenger will spend his Christmas meal pondering what moves to make in January. Thierry Henry on loan? (Insert full-back’s name here) on loan? In order to get the most out of the possible loan signings, Wenger will make the decisions before the New Year.

Share

Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Robin van Persie, Thierry Henry

  By jtom | 17/12/2011 - 8:10 AM | Transfer News
1 Comment

Thierry HenryAccording the The Sun, Manchester City are ready to make a £30 million bid for Robin van Persie. In order to persuade the Dutchman, City are also expected to offer him £200,000 a week for four years.

It’s really not surprising that the van Persie-to-City rumours have popped up on the eve of the huge game between the two sides. Roberto Mancini believes that he can lure any Gunner that catches his eye, and no one will doubt him after signing Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri. Fortunately, Clichy is clueless and Nasri warms the bench.

If the reports are true, the Arsenal board will find it very hard to compete with contract offer. Sure, Gazidis and company could break the wage structure, but would they really do that for an injury-prone striker who is almost 30? Very unlikely. Robin is currently making around £80,000 per week, and such a sharp increase in his wages would lead to other players demanding more money.

Maybe van Persie will refuse the money because he is loyal to our club. Or maybe witnessing Nasri’s fall from grace (from potential footballer of the year to bench warmer) will convince the Dutchman that he is better off at the Emirates. Nothing wrong with a bit of wishful thinking.

Arsene Wenger said that Thierry Henry is still good enough to play in the Premier League, and he has not ruled out a loan move for the legendary Gunner:

“I haven’t even investigated that. I cannot tell you even if there is a chance because I haven’t even made any approach, not to him nor his club. I do not always master all my thoughts so it has to come through my brain at some stage but I haven’t been concrete on the case.” (Source: The Telegraph)

Henry would certainly be an improvement over the duo of Chamakh and Park, but it may not be the best decision to bring him back. Sure, he could have his fairy-tale return after several years away from North London. Or we could discover that he has lost his pace and has recurring injury problems. I just don’t want an old, hobbled Henry as my last memory of him in an Arsenal shirt.

On the other hand, Chamakh has been useless this season and will be heading to the African Cup of Nations soon. Wenger will have to make a call based on what level Henry is at from watching him in training.

Share

Henry returns to Arsenal

  By jtom | 18/11/2011 - 7:05 AM | Uncategorized
Leave a comment

The king is back… but only for training. Thierry Henry was at London Colney on Thursday as the Gunners prepared for Saturday’s match against Norwich. The season for the New York Red Bulls has just ended, so Henry will keep up his fitness by training with the first-team when possible.

Do not get your hopes up for an emotional, permanent return to North London. Remember that Henry did the same thing last year and he stayed in the MLS.

Of course, Thierry still looks completely at home in an Arsenal shirt. It never did look right to see him wearing the Barcelona or Red Bulls kit. Even though he is across the ocean, Henry still talks glowingly about his time at Arsenal and the club in general. He has hinted at a move back to the Emirates as a coach.

Arsene Wenger could actually use an experienced striker, even a 34-year old Henry. Marouane Chamakh has been nothing short of terrible this season and will be missing in January due to the African Cup of Nations. Ju Young Park still needs more playing time before we can evaluate him fully. Do not forget we will also be without Gervinho during the African Cup of Nations.

I don’t even want to type this, but what would happen if Robin van Perise sustained an injury and missed a large portion of January? Walcott would be the only regularly starting player at top, with Park at striker and Arshavin/Chamberlain on the other wing. This lack of depth in the forward position could persuade Wenger to make a loan offer to the Red Bulls for Henry.

But keep in mind that MLS clubs have been known to despise such loan attempts in the past. If nothing else, Henry’s presence in training will provide a boost to the squad. He can aide some of the younger players, who will surely look up to him as a legend.

Wilshere Improving

Jack Wilshere sent out this Twitter message on Thursday: “First day without crutches in a while! Feels so good!” The 19-year old midfielder is healing from the ankle injury that has caused to miss every match this season. According to the Daily Mirror, Wilshere has been cleared to start light training.
 
While it is great to hear about Jack’s improving condition, there is no need to rush him back. The team is on a fantastic run of form right now, and the long-term health of Wilshere is much more important than having him back a week or two early. No Gooner wants to see Wilshere lying on the ground in pain anytime soon.
 

Van Persie Credits Wenger for his Success

Robin van Persie has pointed to Arsene Wenger as the man who turned him into a goal-scoring machine (ESPN):  ”I’m so thankful I met him. When I was 20 he asked me, ‘Why are you not a top player yet?’ I said ‘Because of this, this and this.’ He told me to think about the reasons why and a couple of years later asked me again, ‘Are you a top player?’

“I again said, ‘No, I don’t think so.’ And he said, ‘Why not? Think about it.’ It was then I started to realise. He gave me a little bit of advice on certain things I was doing.

“He told me to think more about my actions. It was a conversation which lasted a year. Every couple of weeks he would refer to that conversation we had. He was giving me proof as well so I could go on and find my answer and I was finding answers all the time. He helped me big time.”

No one is questioning whether RvP is a top player anymore. The Dutchman is definitely the top striker in the Premier League, and one of the best in the world.

Wenger clearly knows how to motivate players to reach their potential. He picks players who are undervalued and helps turn them into top class footballers. Many times, when Wenger has brought the player to Arsenal, he reaches the peak of his performance. When the player leaves Arsenal, he is never able to reach that pinnacle again.

 

Share

Match Report: Arsenal 1-1 New York Red Bulls

  By jtom | 01/08/2011 - 7:00 AM | Match Report
Leave a comment

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry hoisted the Emirates Cup in his emotional return to North London.  Robin van Persie scored for Arsenal in the first half, but an own goal late in the match damaged the Gunners.  The game ended in a draw, and the Red Bulls were awarded the cup.

Jack Wilshere was forced out of the match in the 7th minute after suffering an injury.  After the match, Arsene Wenger stated the severity of the ankle problem:  “It is not very serious.  They say he might be out for the whole of next week because he has an ankle inflammation.  But he has not torn anything.”

Thierry Henry received a loud ovation upon entering the pitch.  Signs and banners were present across the crowd, making sure the all-time scorer felt the love.  The French striker showed flashes of his former self, including a whipping free kick that almost found the net.

Arsene Wenger had planned a special surprise for Henry:  “The surprise was that we wanted to him to play in the last five minutes for us.  He was desperate to do it, but the referees stubbornly turned it down.”  Had Wenger been able to complete this stunt, the Gunners very well might have won the match and the cup.

Arsenal dominated the match, but the Red Bulls sat back and defended well.  Finally, Robin van Persie found the net in the 42nd minute.  Tomas Rosicky curled in an expert free kick, and the Dutchman tapped it past the keeper with his head.  Arsene Wenger talked after the match about contrasting style of play:

“It was a bit frustrating that it was only forwards against defence. They played very deep and didn’t come out.”

New York’s attacking plays were few and far between early on, but the Red Bulls did get a foothold late in the match.  And it was fitting that Henry was involved in the equaliser, which came in the 82nd minute.

Henry gathered the ball and slipped a brilliant pass through the Arsenal defence to Roy Miller.  Miller sent the ball across and the Gunners’ Kyle Bartley booted it into own net.  The goal was set up by Henry and capped off with an embarrassing moment by Bartley.

Thierry Henry almost had a goal himself off a free kick.  The Frenchman curled the ball towards the corner of the goal, but Szczesny was there with a nice save.  Arsene Wenger said after the match about Henry:

“They say great clubs never die and it looks like great players never die.  Thierry has shown us today that he is still top quality with his feet and with his head.”

Tomas Rosicky and Benik Afobe were the standout stars for Arsenal.  Rosicky assisted on the first Arsenal goal, and was at the centre of the many attacks.  The Czech midfielder showcased his exceptional passing ability throughout his time on the pitch.  For example, he unleashed a perfect ball to Gervinho, but the Ivorian striker shot the ball right into the onrushing keeper.

Afobe came into the match for Jack Wilshere early on.  The 18-year old was impressive yesterday while playing mainly on the wing.  Afobe showed close touch to get around the New York defenders and a good crossing ability.  However, he does need to improve his corners.  Afobe was successful during a loan spell with Huddersfield Town last season.

All the Red Bulls needed was a draw to win the tournament.  Arsenal wasted another lead, and this time it was against an MLS opponent.  While the side did feature former  international stars Henry and Rafael Marquez, the club was formed only 15 years ago.

Also, the sheer chagrin of not winning the Emirates Cup.  That was the one piece of silverware most Gooners expected Arsene Wenger’s squad to win.  Arsenal have not come away was winners of the Emirates Cup one other time.

When your mates are poking fun at Arsenal tomorrow at work, think of this:  Not all hosts at the World Cup emerge victorious.  Of course, this is a set of four exhibitions matches and not the greatest sporting even on Earth, but you get the idea.

Overall, the Emirates Cup provided more reasons for Arsene Wenger to buy a centre-back.  Two matches and two blown leads.  It was great to see the legend Thierry Henry back home, and the supporters welcomed him back with open arms.  Arsenal have one more preseason match left at the weekend against Benefica.

Share

Emirates Cup Preview

  By jtom | 30/07/2011 - 6:30 AM | Injury News, Match Preview, Players, Theo Walcott
1 Comment

Arsenal will be taking on Boca Juniors of Argentina and New York Red Bulls during the next two days.  Thierry Henry will make an emotional return to the Emirates.  Arsene Wenger has good news on the progress of Theo Walcott’s injury.

The Emirates Cup is a two-day, four-club tournament that takes place at Emirates Stadium.  The four teams are Arsenal (of course), Boca Juniors, New York Red Bulls and Paris Saint-Germain.  This preview is centered around Arsenal, who will take on Boca Juniors later today and New York Red Bulls tomorrow.

Cesc Fabregas will miss the Cup due to on-going transfer negotiations with Barcelona.  Theo Walcott will sit out due to an ankle injury, but Arsene Wenger does have good news:  “It is better than expected.  He is ten days out.”

When asked if Walcott will be healthy for the start of the season, Wenger replied: “He could, we are hopeful.”

Arsenal will play Boca Juniors today at 16:20 BST.  Juan Roman Riquelme plays for Boca now but he was starring at Villareal when the Gunners played the Spanish side in a 2006 Champions League semifinal.  Jens Lehmann saved Riqulme’s penalty late in the match which could have brought Villareal level.  Here is what Riquelme said yesterday about the incident:

“It was one of the saddest memories of my career and one I will always remember.  I thought we were stronger than Arsenal and deserved to play in the Final. We were quite unlucky, I missed a penalty and Arsenal managed to get to the Final.”

The former Argentina international then complimented Arsenal:  “I think Arsenal are the most attractive team in the Premier League.  They like to combine all the time.  Whoever loves football loves Barcelona and Arsenal because they are the best footballing teams in the world.”

The match today will be a real test for both teams, as the South American powerhouse will encounter a top European side in Arsenal.  There is a bias against South American in England and Europe, but Boca Juniors are a talented side and the Gunners should be prepared.

Thierry Henry’s return to Arsenal is the main story of this tournamet.  Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer currently plays for the Red Bulls.  Henry will take on his former club Sunday at 16:20 BST.

Henry admits that the return will be emotional:  “I’m at home.  It’s something extraordinary for me.  Everyone knows what I think of the Club.  I support them and it’s always a little strange to come back.

“I had seven years at Highbury but only a few matches here because I was injured in my last year so the emotion is different with the stadium.  But to come back and see everyone – the coach, the people who work here, the groundsmen, the chef – it’s extraordinary and it’s always good.  I had eight years here and it’s just nice to return.

“I came back here with Barcelona but that was a competitive game.  On Sunday it’s going to be a friendly one.  It’s going to be a bit different. 
 
“But whenever I come back here, I always get goosebumps.  I was on the field [in the Barcelona game] and it was kind of weird, I won’t lie. It’s going to be pretty emotional but every time I come back here it’s the same.”

Every Gooner will be glad to welcome Henry back to his North London home.  Arsene Wenger said that it was the “right move” for Thierry to move to the United States and Major League Soccer.  Henry is relishing his time in America, happy to “not be on the back pages anymore.”

Just because Henry is laying low with the Red Bulls doesn’t mean he isn’t scoring goals.  The former Arsenal striker has eleven goals so far this season, which is tops in the MLS.  No matter where Henry goes, goals are soon to follow.

Share

Wenger: Arsenal can win the league

  By jtom | 15/07/2011 - 9:15 AM | Uncategorized
2 Comments

Arsene Wenger has been talking his side up in Malyasia.  He believes that Arsenal are good enough to win the league this season.  Apparently, they are ready to reach their full potential.  We have heard it all before:

“I believe we are perfectly good enough.  What we did last year, considering the age of the squad and the problems we had with injuries, was a credit to the team and we have a good opportunity now to show that we have the quality.  If you are a winner, you say: ‘We were very close last year, let’s do it this year.’  You come back.

“I believe that the real destiny of this team is now there.  They know as well as I know that we were very, very close last season.  We intend to show everybody that we can do it.  We are a young team and we can only be better. It demands the strength of character that the champions have.  That’s what we want to show.”

Wenger is much more optimistic now than he was at the end of the season.  Arsene even admits that last season’s collapse took a real toll on him:  “It was because I took full responsibility for what happened.  I knew at some stage that it was lost and I had so much hope for the team, because through November and December, you could feel that the team had really taken off and could win everything. And it was so close.

“The last part of it was certainly the toughest [of his career] because emotionally it was very difficult because we were on a low.  You could see that the last three or four weeks were very difficult.”

It is really tough for Gooners to get excited for the coming season.  Of course we cannot wait for football, but we still have last season freshly burned into our brains.  Two of of our best players’ futures are uncertain  All of that can be forgotten, though, if Wenger’s squad can defy the media critics and win the league this season.

Arsene looks refreshed.  He really needed that time off to clear his head.  At several points last season, Wenger abandoned his cool, calm, and collected mentality and turned to the bottle.  That bottle took quite a beating.

Wenger also spoke about his new signing, Gervinho, having similar traits to Thierry Henry:  “Exactly.  He has qualities that are interesting because he has good movement off the ball, he is very quick and he can play up front, left and right.  He can score goals, he can provide … so he can contribute greatly to the offensive efficiency of the team.  He is a signing to excite the Arsenal supporters.”

Gervinho definitely has the skill set to impress and arouse the Arsenal faithful.  But he is not a huge signing that gets fans excited in July.  Gervinho was playing in the France last season, and many Gooners, including me, do not keep up with Ligue 1.  You would think by now that we would, being as future Gunners are on display each week.

Optimism is in the air in Asia as a new season is about to begin.  Wenger is getting his players in top shape through vigorous training.  Rumours are swirling but no “Arsenal exodus” or “Arsepocalypse” has occurred just yet.  In fact, there are many young players (Jenkinson, Miyaichi, Frimpong) and a new signing (Gervinho) to be excited about.

Share