VA VA VOOM
In such moments does a crowd collectively hold its breath. When spotlights inside the Bernabeu converge on Thierry Henry as he wins the ball by the centre circle, those in the stands don’t yet know what’s coming. But so few footballers in history have been so dangerous from this position.
The Arsenal captain swivels, then slides into second gear, accelerating away from Ronaldo using his deer-like stride. He slaloms between two challenges before breezing beyond Sergio Ramos’ lunge, then completes his darting act by arrowing a low shot across Iker Casillas into the bottom corner.
Henry runs to the corner flag in celebration – arms outstretched, chin raised. Arsenal lead Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League last 16, despite an injury crisis forcing them to field a D-list defence. And that’s how the scoreline stays – because when Thierry Henry is on your team, you always have a chance.
LE PROFESSEUR WILL SEE YOU NOW
Some players are lucky that they can run with a ball like it’s stuck to their instep, but few have been given Henry’s gifts; the precious ability to drag their team over the finish line, no matter who the opposition.
The first time Arsenal fans caught a glimpse of it was on a grey 1999 day in Southampton. Up until then, the young, nudged along by mentor Arsene Wenger, who insisted he stick at it after years ‘wasted’ wide.
