Arsenal FC: 5 Reasons Why Henry's Arrival Can Save the Gunners' Season

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It is looking increasingly likely that Thierry Henry will be returning for his third stint at the club this January.  Indeed, some news outlets are already claiming that the Frenchman has already agreed to join on loan, and he was spotted at the Emirates to watch the Gunners' game against West Brom.

Many fans are skeptical that bringing a 35-year-old back on loan is not the right thing to do, and they would rather see Wenger splash the cash on a younger striker. 

Henry's loan spell last season was a great success, with the striker scoring three goals, two of which were very important.  Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer breathed new life into the Gunners' season and helped them to a third-place finish.  Here are five reasons why this season will be the same.

1. He Will Lift the Fans

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When you score 229 goals for any club, you're going to be a fan favorite.  Thierry Henry is already a legend at Arsenal, and you only have to look at the bronze statue of him in the stadium to realize that the Arsenal faithful simply love him.

In such dark times, Arsenal fans need someone or something to cheer them up, to help them to believe. If they don't believe, they won't support, and Arsenal will fail to win silverware once again.

Thierry Henry is the sort of player who can single-handedly inject this sense of belief into the fans. 

2. His Presence in the Dressing Room

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It's not just the fans who love Henry, but the players too.  The likes of Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain will benefit hugely from his knowledge and wisdom, but the other players in general will love having a genuine legend around, and Henry is sure to teach Giroud a thing or two, as well.

Henry and Wenger will have built a very strong relationship over the years, too, and having that sort of chemistry within a team is absolutely invaluable, especially to an Arsenal team that seems to be changing significantly every season.

3. He Is Still a Very Good Player

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Despite being 35 years old, Thierry Henry still possesses a brilliant footballing mind and ample skill to score in the modern premier league.

He has also superbly adapted his game to one less centered around pace, and more around movement and deadly finishing. 

Perhaps Arsenal need to acquire a more mobile, pacy forward to drive at the defense this January.  Then again, their finishing still is nowhere near as good as it should be, as was shown yesterday against West Brom.  Henry could help put this problem to bed for this season. 

4. He Can Be a Leader for the Gunners on the Pitch

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One thing that Arsenal have certainly lacked this season is a natural-born leader on the pitch.  Thomas Vermaelen has failed to lead the Gunners effectively this season, and it's difficult to see who will be able to step up and do so.

Henry certainly can.

He has made it known many times in the past that he is a fully fledged Arsenal fan, and he will therefore hate to see his team lose just that bit more than a Cazorla or a Podolski.

Henry can use the players' inevitable respect for him to gain authority on the pitch and lead Arsenal to victory.

5. He Will Provide Different Options Up Front

Henry could fit in easily to Arsenal's current 4-2-3-1 formation and would link up nicely with Cazorla and Wilshere.

Back in the glory days, however, Henry was deployed as the most advanced striker in a 4-4-2 formation and formed a formidable strike partnership with Dennis Bergkamp.  

With Wenger preferring to play Podolski on the left, Henry would provide a more attractive option as a second striker and would most likely thrive off the aerial prowess of his compatriot.