It's time to reveal the Gunners' Greatest 50 Goals - as voted for by Arsenal's fans.
By the time Thierry Henry left Arsenal in 2007, football fans all over the world knew the true extent of his talent. But the goal which secures No 37 in our Top 50 was scored at a time when his brilliance was only just starting to emerge.
League leaders Manchester United were all but out of sight when Arsenal travelled to Watford in April 2000 during the final stretch of Henry’s first campaign at the club. But, despite their points deficit, the Gunners lost none of their efficiency in the first half at Vicarage Road.
Henry opened the scoring in the 18th minute and Ray Parlour doubled the advantage two minutes before the break. Then, in first-half stoppage time, Henry grabbed his super second.
The Frenchman received the ball 15 yards inside Watford’s half with space to turn. As players closed in on either side of him, Henry’s sheer pace left them trailing in his wake.
Now, only a couple of yards outside the area, two more yellow-shirted defenders were looking nervous and backed off the onrushing striker.
This was enough for Henry who, after shifting the ball onto his right foot, curled a magnificent strike inside Alec Chamberlain’s left-hand post.
It was a finish that would become synonymous with the Frenchman but, back in April 2000, it was a surefire sign of things to come.
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