It just had to happen didn’t it? The press were at the Emirates in their droves all waiting to get another glimpse of Thierry Henry turning out for Arsenal in a competitive game for the first time in 5 years, and you could sense they all knew what was coming.

Arsenal, superior in all areas to Leeds United were struggling to create any clear cut opportunities and not many had the faith that Marouane Chamakh would actually convert a chance should it present itself. The Moroccan striker has done little to endear himself to the Arsenal fans since joining in May 2010, scoring just 8 goals in 37 appearances. Leeds, well organised and defending in numbers kept Arsenal at bay. Van Persie, allowed a holiday to help recuperate after carrying the team for the large part of the season was needed.

Henry was brought on in the 68th minute with the game at 0-0 replacing the inept Chamakh. 22 minutes for Arsenal’s all time leading goalscorer to make an impact. It took him just 10. Collecting Song’s through ball and slotting it across the Leeds goalkeeper and into the far corner, you could have been fooled into think you were back in 2003-2004.

The pressure on Henry’s shoulders must have been immense. Everyone expected. Henry delivered.