Henry is man of moment at Highbury

FT: Arsenal 4 Liverpool 2

Thierry Henry proved the man for a potential crisis at Highbury as he shrugged off fitness concerns to inspire Arsenal to a memorable second-half comeback against Liverpool with a hat-trick.

Having just been knocked out of the FA Cup and Champions League, Arsenal were in danger of their season collapsing around them as Sami Hyypia and Michael Owen gave Liverpool a 2-1 half-time lead.

But Henry, who had scored Arsenal’s first, played an integral role in Robert Pires’ goal before embarking on a solo effort of sheer class and completing a memorable afternoon with a deservedly fortuitous third.

Owen failed to capitalise on a loose ball inside the penalty area after Gerrard’s free-kick was blocked.

However, athough Ljungberg also came close at the other end, Arsenal were home and dry. The double and treble may be gone, but the single lives on.