Return of the King: Thierry Henry's Top 5 Goals for Arsenal

Hasmat MustunCorrespondent IJanuary 1, 2012

Return of the King: Thierry Henry's Top 5 Goals for Arsenal

0 of 5

    Happy New Year to all and that can only mean one thing in English football: the January transfer window is open.

    Months of speculation will unfold this month and some of the rumours may turn out to be true. But for Arsenal fans, it is bound to be exciting with the club pushing to finalise the loan deal for Thierry Henry.

    Yes! Thierry Henry is back at the club where he became a legend. Of course, I am not in delusion to think that Henry will break defenders apart—he is not the same prolific striker, and lacks some pace. But his sheer presence in the dressing room as an Arsenal player will boost the team.

    And the former Arsenal striker will sure be a huge boost for Robin Van Persie as some of the intense pressure will be taken off him.

    Henry has the Invincibles' winning mentality and his advice off the pitch to the players will certainly benefit them. I don't know what to expect from the Frenchman when he is on the pitch, but he wouldn't be an Arsenal player unless Wenger was sure he can still cut it at the top level.

    Thierry Henry has given everything for this club. He grew as a player to become an Arsenal legend with some memorable performances. Here's the top five goals that made Henry an icon for Arsenal Football Club.

No. 5: Wonderful Solo Goal Against Spurs in 2002

1 of 5

    Arsenal romped to a 3-0 victory at home to demolish their north London rivals Tottenham. Thierry Henry showed his form at his peak.

    The Frenchman picked up the ball in his own half and, with sheer power and pace, drove into the heart of the Spurs defence.

    He coolly cut inside onto his weaker left foot before curling the ball into the back of the net. The home fans went wild and Henry celebrated in style.

No. 4: Sensational Goal in Arsenal Romp vs Inter

2 of 5

    I know this is difficult to pick. Of all the sensational solo goals in Europe to pick, this one has to be the best.

    People talk about the Henry goal against Real Madrid, which I agree, was exquisite. But his performance against Inter Milan in the 5-1 win in 2003 was mesmerising.

    I still remember people telling me Arsenal were going to get demolished in that game. But the Gunners had other plans. And Thierry Henry scored the goal of the game.

    Following a corner, the ball was cleared in which Henry controlled beautifully before running towards the Inter goal. Arsenal were 2-1 up at the time.

    Henry quickly checked back, but Pires had strayed offside and Henry went for it on his left foot. The ball fizzed into the bottom corner.

    It was magnificent!

No. 3: That Special Goal Against Manchester United

3 of 5

    In 2000, Henry made a claim when he did something outrageous. Arsenal vs Manchester United, a massive rival game and up stepped the Frenchman.

    Henry collected a pass from the back, flicked the ball into his path and swiftly turned to volley up and over his French compatriot Fabien Barthez.

    It was emphatic, sheer brilliance from Arsenal's icon.

No. 2: A Brilliant Solo Effort Against Liverpool

4 of 5

    In the season of 2003/2004, it was Henry at his best. He crushed defenses apart with his pace and unbelievable ability.

    This goal against Liverpool depicts the confidence and talent that he possessed. It was a one-man effort as he takes on two defenders, all the other players backing off before placing the ball into the corner.

    There were no defenders who relished the prospect of facing Henry. He was a nightmare for them. This is one of the most memorable goals in the Premier League that will be played over and over again.

No. 1: The Record-Breaker

5 of 5

    The goal that made Henry into the history book as the ultimate Arsenal striker. The goal that overtook Ian Wright's tally of 128 goals for Arsenal. That special goal against Sparta Prague that said everything about Henry.

    There was nothing on, Toure long kick upfield and Thierry Henry lets the ball drop to control with the back of his heels. He turns around and curls the ball with the outside of his right foot into the corner. Absolute genius!

    This is my No. 1 goal because of the control and the way he made this skill look so simple. The second replay shows how the ball curls away from the keeper and back into the net. It gets better every time you watch it.

    What a way to make it into the Arsenal history book!

    These were my top five Thierry Henry goals. The most challenging part of compiling this slideshow is picking the goals as Henry was prolific in every sense. The goal against Real Madrid, that volley against Chelsea, the solo effort against Manchester United in 2003 and that cheeky back heel against Charlton all showcase how much this player has given to Arsenal FC. 

X