Soccer: Henry tries to play down spectacular comeback

Thierry Henry tried to play down expectations after marking his Arsenal comeback with the winning goal in the Gunners' FA Cup victory over Leeds.

The 34-year-old France World Cup-winner, Arsenal's record goalscorer, came off the bench to slot home the game's only goal with a typically composed finish to seal a 1-0 third-round success in front of his adoring fans at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Henry, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, has returned to north London on a short-term loan deal from New York Red Bulls with Major League Soccer now in its close season.

And there remains the possibility he could feature in the derby against arch-rivals Tottenham, now third in the Premier League table and six points in front of Arsenal, at the Emirates on February 26.

In the meantime Henry urged Arsenal fans not to get carried away by the manner of his return.

"I know I scored, but that is not going to happen every time I play. I don't know if my runs were intelligent or not but that's the way I play."

Henry, who recently saw a statue of himself unveiled outside the Emirates, added: "I love the club - I say it so many times. We are not going to redo the story - I just love the club and that's how it is.

"If the boss [Arsene Wenger] needs me for 30 seconds, a minute, if he doesn't need me, I am going to try to be around the guys and help in the dressing room.

Wenger was delighted to have Henry back on board.

"What is good for the young players at the club is that a guy like Thierry, who has done it all, comes and prepares 100 per cent."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was not surprised by Henry's performance against Leeds.

"I watched the game and knew Henry would score, it was written, some are meant to happen. It was just amazing. I hope he doesn't make too big an impact because we want to finish above Arsenal this season, which is not going to be easy, but I am sure he will have some impact."

Meanwhile Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has signed a new long-term contract. The Arsenal website said his future with the club was now assured.

The 20-year-old has made 12 appearances for Arsenal this season after spending last year on loan with French side Lorient.

- AAP