Arsenal 1-Leeds United 0: Thierry Henry Nets Classy Winner for Sluggish Gunners

Thierry Henry marked his return to Arsenal by proving that regardless of age, class is permanent. Henry slid home the decisive goal as the Gunners edged past Leeds United, 1-0.

Henry revitalised a slow-paced and clueless Arsenal attack that struggled to trouble the championship side for the majority of the game.

The Gunners suffered through what has now become their customary sluggish first-half performance and yet again failed to convert the lion's share of possession into clear chances.

Arsene Wenger went with a surprisingly strong team to begin the match. First choice midfield trio Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta and Alex Song kept out Tomas Rosicky and Yossi Benayoun.

Wojciech Szczesny remained in goal, and Laurent Koscielny expertly marshaled a makeshift defense. Sadly, the presence of regular members of the starting 11 failed to compensate for the laboured efforts of Andrey Arshavin and Marouane Chamakh.

Club legen Henry began the evening on the bench. But with the game still deadlocked at 0-0 and Arshavin having snatched at a series of shots, Wenger finally gave the crowd what they wanted and brought on Henry just after the hour mark.

In the 76th minute, Henry proved that his deadly instincts in front of goal have not deserted him. Henry strode onto a nicely weighted through pass from Alex Song and nudged the ball across the right side of the goalkeeper.

It was a trademark Henry finish and showed what a difference a bit of extra quality can make to this resilient, but rather pedestrian Arsenal team.

It marked the perfect return for Henry and demonstrated just how valuable he can be in the next few months.

Wenger will be hoping for plenty of similar contributions from Henry, but must be becoming concerned about Arsenal's struggles to create scoring chances.

The Gunners will now entertain Aston Villa in the FA Cup fourth round.