Henry’s commitment to Arsenal the real victory for Wenger

NOBODY at Highbury could have dreamed that this FA Cup weekend would turn into one of the most historical days in their animated past, but the signal from Thierry Henry that he wants to remain at the club for the rest of his career will forever be remembered by everybody in football.

The Frenchman has ended months of speculation over a move to Spanish side Barcelona by committing his future to Arsenal, and now manager Arsene Wenger can concentrate on building a new side around his talismanic forward.

If Henry had decided to leave north London in favour of new heights, it would have been a major blow for everybody involved with Arsenal Football Club.

However, there is now a sense of relief around the club, and a 2-1 victory over Championship side Cardiff was the icing on the cake for every Arsenal supporter as they start to look towards a brighter future.

There is no hiding the fact that this season has been a disappointment, despite the fact they have shown brilliant form in the Champions League.

The Premiership is the ultimate aim for Monsieur Wenger, but for now he will have to keep his focus on Cup competitions.

Two superbly taken goals by Robert Pires were enough for the Gunners to overcome Dave Jones’ battling Bluebirds. A late strike from Cameron Jerome left Arsenal with a nervy finish, but in the end they held on to book a place in today’s (Mon) fourth round draw.

“It’s not about money because I feel he would be paid what he gets here, plus more, anywhere else,” Wenger explained as he reflected on Henry’s decision to remain at the club. “He knows that financially the best deal was certainly not here, and when he made up his mind he knew that. It was never money orientated.

“I was 100% sure he was not talking behind our back and it says a lot about the man. I knew he was attached to the club but you don’t know how people will respond, especially as we were fifth in the Premiership.

“It’s fantastic for football because you could say he has done his job here - and can move for more glamour and more money. But the big question was of faith.”

Wenger was able to rest Henry, along with Jens Lehmann, Sol Campbell and Cesc Fabregas as his side progressed through the first step on their road to Wembley.

However, he was forced into a late change of plan in defence, as the Ivory Coast demanded that Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure joined up with them immediately for their African Cup preparations.

Wenger had hoped to keep the pair until after next week’s encounter with Middlesbrough, but will be forced to look for alternatives in his back line.

“We were told that if we played them we risked losing the game. I didn’t want to take the chance. It’s like playing the European Championships now - then the World Cup in the summer.”

Young pair Kerrea Gilbert and Johan Djourou stepped in for Arsenal, and put in a steady performance which will help their progression through the Highbury youth ranks.

Now is certainly a time for looking to the future for Arsenal, and opponents Cardiff have bright lights of their own in sight.

Although they were unable to produce a fairytale victory, Cardiff were certainly not embarrassed, and they can now focus their attention on setting up another fixture against Wenger’s side next season in the Premiership.

“Four months ago this club was being classed as cannon fodder for relegation. Now all of a sudden I’m asking the players to crank up the machine,” said manager Dave Jones.

“We’ve got ourselves three points from a play-off spot - can they do it? We’ve got 18 games to try.”

Arsenal now have the rest of the season to ensure they end the season with some silverware, but there is little doubt that Thierry Henry’s signature on a renewed deal will be the greatest achievement of all for Arsene Wenger.

And it will be the perfect way to start a new phase in the club’s history when they move to their new stadium next season.