What a player Thierry Henry was and what a team that 03/04 Arsenal side was.And for a fine example of both of those things, you only need look back 16 years ago today.The Gunners took on Leeds United at Highbury still undefeated, of course, as they pushed towards the Premier League title.Now, Leeds weren't what they had been a couple of years prior - this was the season they'd go down, yet to return - but the manner of Arsenal's win was incredible.Robert Pires put the league leaders ahead after just six minutes but then things turned into the Henry show.Leeds couldn't cope with Henry's running and he broke the offside trap on 27 minutes to collect Gilberto Silva's pass to make it 2-0.Henry's second, six minutes later, was a penalty but he even did that in style as he nonchalantly chipped the ball into the net.His third was another great goal made to look effortless. Gilberto picked the ball up on the edge of his box, with Henry not far away.
The two countered quickly as the Brazilian carried the ball to the halfway line and unleashed Henry with a pass in behind.He stormed through and rolled it past Paul Robinson - back to front in seconds and Leeds couldn't cope.Henry saved his best until last, however. Picking the ball up from Pires around the centre-circle, Arsenal's no.14 just glides past the entire Leeds defence.Through on goal, Henry is actually tripped but somehow manages to lift the ball over Robinson as he's falling down.
It's a stunning goal that exemplifies Henry at his best - effortlessly athletic and composed.
Arsenal would go on to win the title unbeaten, of course, and Henry would win PFA Player of the Season, as well as the Premier League and FWA awards.
And this 5-0 win over Leeds is possibly the best example of why.