Arsenal legend Thierry Henry scored a vast array of spectacular goals during his iconic career – here are five that we believe are his greatest.
Henry is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever grace the Premier League. After moving to North London in 1999, he established a legacy as one of the most prolific forwards.
Arsenal’s talisman was also the focal point of one of the club’s most successful periods. He led the line during their 2003/04 “Invincibles” season, plus brought an array of trophies and memories to Highbury.
Henry finished his time with the Gunners as their all-time top scorer, with 228 goals. Following this, a spell at Barcelona saw the forward claim an elusive Champions League winners medal in 2009.
Golden boots, PFA honours, and Ballon d’Or nominations are all testaments to Henry’s greatness. And, of course, he has a compilation of some unbelievable goals.
#5: vs Sparta Prague, 2005/06 Champions League Group Stage
First up on our list of his greatest goals is the strike that made Henry Arsenal’s joint all-time leading scorer.
Bizarrely, though, Henry did not even start this Champions League group-stage encounter with Sparta Prague.
However, Arsene Wenger did end up using his star man early on, though, as Antonio Reyes had to go off due to injury.
Once on the pitch, it took Henry mere minutes to produce a spellbinding goal. The Frenchman connected with a long ball forward, cleverly controlling the pass with the outside of his right boot. After steadying himself at the edge of Sparta’s box, Henry utilised the outside of his foot once more.
He hit a gorgeous “trivela” shot on the bounce which curled from outside the post back into the far bottom corner.
Henry’s beautiful effort saw him match Ian Wright to become the Gunners’ joint-leading goal-scorer. Later in the same game, he scored a second to become the outright leader in Arsenal history.
#4: vs Real Madrid, 2005/06 Champions League Round of 16
Henry was almost unstoppable in his prime, with Arsenal’s run to the 2006 Champions League Final proof of his talent. During the Gunners’ European adventure, the striker scored a cracker at the Bernabeu.
Cesc Fabregas may have got an assist for this one, but Henry did all the work. He received the ball in the centre circle, then accelerated into the Madrid half.
Ronaldo tried to get Henry off the ball – but the Arsenal captain shrugged him off. After this, he left two Galactico defenders in his wake.
The Frenchman burst past Sergio Ramos and placed a shot past Iker Casillas in the Real Madrid net to complete a scintillating run.
With one of the greatest goals that the Bernabeu had ever seen, Thierry Henry gave Arsenal a crucial first-leg victory.
A 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture at Highbury saw the Gunners through to the quarterfinals.
Sadly, though, Wenger’s side came up short in that season’s Champions League. They suffered defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the final.
Still, Henry’s individual brilliance at Real Madrid did give them a piece of history. Arsenal became the first English side to beat Los Blancos in their own backyard – and what a goal to do it with.
#3: vs Liverpool, 2003/04 Premier League
Throughout his career, Thierry Henry regularly made a mockery of opposing defences. This solo effort against Liverpool really showed his class, though.
Picking up possession near the centre circle, Henry glided past Didi Hamann in the Liverpool midfield.
Then, as he dangerously arrived at the penalty area, the Frenchman shaped to go on his right before cutting back onto his left.
This turned Jamie Carragher and Igor Biscan inside-out, and the Reds defenders collided whilst Henry pressed forward. Finally, the Gunners striker showed his typical ice-cool composure to pass the ball beyond Jerzy Dudek in goal.
It was one of the most devastating goals from his portfolio and during one of Arsenal’s greatest seasons. In 2003/04, the Gunners went unbeaten as they won the Premier League title – an achievement as yet unmatched in Prem history.
#2: West Ham, 2002/03 Premier League
For all his finesse and guile, Henry certainly knew how to strike a football, too. During a 2002 game against West Ham, the legend showed exactly the kind of power he could produce from his right foot.
Compatriot Patrick Vieira played the ball into Henry’s feet, who rolled his defender with a deft touch. After he had taken a touch via his thigh, Arsenal’s No.14 unleashed a powerful half-volley.
The ball sailed into the top-left corner of the net as the keeper could only dive in despair.
This unbelievable strike was Arsenal’s first goal in a comeback from 2-0 down at Upton Park. They eventually drew 2-2 with the Hammers thanks to a late Sylvain Wiltord goal.
On a personal level, Henry’s goal was one of 23 that he would score in that season’s Premier League. He also put up 20 assists in 2002/03, becoming the only male player to ever have a 20-20 goal and assist season in league history.
#1: vs Man United, 2000/01 Premier League
Finally, at number one on our list of the greatest goals by Thierry Henry is one of the most iconic strikes that the Premier League has ever seen.
As he held off a defender, Henry received a pass with his back to goal, at least 25 yards out.
Instead of controlling the ball, though, the Arsenal icon flicked it up into the air. Then, in a spectacular piece of skill, Henry pivoted and unleashed a spectacular volley at goal.
His audacious effort flew over the head of Fabian Barthez in the Man United goal and hit the top-right corner of the net. Wenger and everyone at Highbury could only applaud the sheer greatness that they had just witnessed.
The Gunners earned a 1-0 win over Man United thanks to Henry’s fantastic moment of brilliance.
However, Arsenal would still end up behind the Red Devils by the season’s end as United picked up another league title.
But don’t let the rest of the season distract you from undisputedly the best goal of Thierry Henry’s career.
Featured image credit: Getty