Thierry Henry ruled Highbury, and he did not lose any of that authority when the referee pointed to the spot. Arsenal's all-time top scorer, with 228 goals, was among the most clinical finishers the Premier League has had, and his penalties followed the same pattern as the rest of his game.
His technique was simple to describe and hard to stop: a low, powerful strike into the corner. Hit properly, it was close to unsavable. Goalkeepers often did not move at all.
Where he scored them
- For Arsenal through the dominant early 2000s, including the Invincibles season.
- In Champions League matches for Arsenal, and later for Barcelona.
- In the big occasions, where he never looked nervous.
That composure is the part people remember. Henry had pace, power and technique in open play, and when the game stopped for a penalty he brought the same calm to 12 yards. It was the kind of assurance that makes a stadium relax before the kick is taken.
Pure class, and the King of Highbury is our number 17.
Tomorrow: the list moves to number 16.
