Post Three - Thierry Henry

As you may have heard on Twitter or Facebook last night, the king is back. Well the king of Arsenal at least. Several references to the long-awaited return of Thierry Henry dominated the 'Trending Topics' list on Twitter, and several of my (and yours too, whoever is likely reading this) Facebook contacts updated their statuses to allude to his homecoming.

Arsenal's Third Round FA Cup tie against Leeds seemed to wait patiently for his arrival, having served up over an hour of toothless attacking versus stout defending. In fact, the only notable incident took place in the televised build-up, when the unfortunate Martin Keown was stuck on the head by a football which was probably aimed at his ESPN colleague Robbie Savage.

Just ten minutes after his introduction as a substitute in the 68th minute, Thierry Henry scored the only goal, one which better sports writers than I would describe as a 'trademark finish'. The relief was almost palpable for players and fans alike, who otherwise would have had little for discussion other than the spurned chances which fell to Andrey Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh.

So often in sport, time provides the opportunity for those who have wronged to seek forgiveness, or more likely that negative memories are omitted from the consciousness of fans at a time of happiness. It seems strange to think that twenty-six months ago (after Henry deliberately handled the ball in a World Cup playoff match for France against Ireland) he was arguably one of the most hated men in football (not the most hated - that mantle will likely belong to Sepp Blatter for many years after his death).

Yet only Henry's most vocal detractors mentioned that incident on the social networks, and negative sentiment was so scarcely placed that It was easily ignorable, amongst adulation from fans of many of Arsenal's rival clubs. Even as a Manchester United fan (who has grown a 'penchant' for current Championship leaders Southampton having spent three years at university there) it was a joy to see him return.

England has the best leagues and cup competitions, so to want the best players, matches and stories (which are so often lacking in the modern FA Cup) can only be natural. The third round of The FA Cup had a narrative of history running through it, as Paul Scholes came out of retirement to help United overcome City in the Manchester Derby, and Paolo Di Canio notched up another giant killing as manager of Swindon Town over Premier League opponents Wigan.

Arsenal will likely face sterner tests in the remaining six weeks of Henry's loan from New York Red Bulls, but for now it was just enjoyable to see the return of a player who could've all too easily tarnished his reputation in England further. Whether you have forgiven or forgotten for past indiscretions, the latest chapter in a career which may only have a season or two left, started on an emphatically high note for Thierry Henry.

Paul