Henry made feelings on Liverpool fans clear after Arsenal FA Cup meeting

07 January 2024 , 08:30

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Henry would depart to a standing ovation after his goal (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal were calling Anfield home in the first few days of 2007, and they certainly made themselves feel comfortable.

The Gunners were drawn to face Liverpool on Merseyside in the third round of the FA Cup, and with the pair also meeting in a League Cup quarter-final which had been postponed due to fog the previous month, it meant two trips to Liverpool in four days for the Gunners. They were to win 9-4 on aggregate.

First up was the FA Cup clash, and it turned into an evening when home supporters were left spellbound by the display of Thierry Henry, surely the finest player in English football at the time.

With the match broadcast live on BBC One, Reds fans took the opportunity to hold a powerful protest calling for justice for the Hillsborough victims in the opening stages of the game, with their words heard around the world at a time when the real truth about the disaster was still lost on many.

On the pitch, the Reds came up against a stylish and skilful Arsenal side who held them at bay before racing into a two-goal lead before half-time thanks to two fine finishes from Tomas Rosicky for what were only his second and third goals for the club.

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Henry scored Arsenal's third in a 3-1 win at Anfield in January 2007 (Getty Images)

The Reds rallied in the second period when Dirk Kuyt pulled one back from close range, before Henry gave Jamie Carragher a five-yard headstart before bursting past him and firing home the goal that would confirm victory for a the Gunners, a 3-1 success before a 6-3 victory four days later.

Henry would leave the pitch shortly after his goal, with all sides of Anfield rising to applaud his display. It was clearly a gesture that wasn't lost on the Frenchman, and when asked to name his favourite grounds to play at a year later, he said: "It's the atmosphere I love. It's unbelievable. I've played in a lot of stadiums but for me, there is nothing like playing at Liverpool.

"Nothing can beat Highbury, of course, but playing at Anfield was great. The fans always sing and hold up their scarves before and after the game — whether they have won or lost. It must be amazing if you are a Liverpool player."

Henry never was a Liverpool player of course, and that was much to Arsenal's benefit.

Mark Jones