Many observers took note of a painful irony felt Sunday at the Emirates Stadium, when ex-Gunner Thierry Henry lifted a trophy presented to the Red Bulls as winners of the EmiratesCup. As meaningless as a pre-season trinket may be, it served as a jarring reminder of what Arsenal won with Henry in the team: two Premier League titles, including the undefeated 2003-04 season, andthree FA Cups. The cupboard has been bare since 2005, Henry departed for Barcelona in 2007.
He believes they can return to Premier League prominence but only with a more rugged defense thanthe current cast. “I am a fan, so I will tell you yes,” Henry said. “But without a Martin Keown you can’t win everything. It was a mix of great players, that was our key.”
After setting up New York’s goal in a 1-1 tie, the club’s all-time record scorer with 226 goals wanted to play the final minutes for Arsenal but the officials wouldn’t allow it. He instead took alap of honor after the final whistle wearing Arsenal scarves and waving to fans.
“I’m not even going to talk about that because they have some stupid rules but that’s the way it is,” Henrysaid. “I’m sure the fans would have loved that and I would have loved it.”