Henry makes comeback in style
Henry was handed a surprise recall after 34 days out with a neck injury
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Tuesday, 02, Jan 2007 10:33
Thierry Henry inspired Arsenal to a 4-0 win over ten-man Charlton on his return from injury at the Emirates Stadium.
The French striker scored the opener from the penalty spot after Osei Sankofa was sent-off for fouling Robin Van Persie.
Henry was involved in two other goals as the Gunners moved joint third with Liverpool.
Defender Justin Hoyte and a brace from Van Persie, the first coming from another penalty, grabbed the other goals for the rampant Gunners.
Arsenal exploded out of the blocks and were denied an early goal by a sensational save by goalkeeper Scott Carson.
The Addicks shot-stopper stuck out his left hand to keep out Cesc Fabregas' venomous effort from ten yards.
Arsene Wenger's side took the lead on 29 minutes after another rasping shot from Fabregas looped onto the crossbar and the onrushing Van Persie was bundled over by Osei Sankofa.
Referee Mike Riley gave the defender his marching orders as Henry stepped up and stroked home the penalty for his ninth goal of the season.
On the stroke of half-time, the Gunners doubled their lead when full-back Hoyte exchanged passes with Henry before slotting the ball past Carson into the corner to finish off a sublime move.
Arsenal continued their domination after the break with Tomas Rosicky rattling the post with a low shot.
Alan Pardew's side had Carson to thank for keeping the score down as the Charlton custodian produced a stunning save to deny Fabregas from 12 yards out.
Carson then sensationally tipped Henry's curling shot around the post followed by another save to deny Rosicky from Van Persie's through ball.
The Addicks keeper was powerless to prevent a third goal, however, after Henry was tugged down by Souleymane Diawara after bamboozling the defender.
Van Persie made no mistake with the resulting penalty on 76 minutes for his fourth goal in as many games.
The flying Dutchman bagged his 12th goal of the season in stoppage time after collecting Mattheu Flamini's pass and lifting the ball over Carson.
Charlton remain in 19th place and six points from safety after tonight's defeat.