Gods desert blessed Henry at vital moment

Cruel defeat cannot obscure Henry's special contribution

Thierry Henry's first touch was a deft cushioning of Emmanuel Eboué's hopeful cross which beautifully ghosted him away from his marker, Rafael Marquez ­ but it was a maddening evening in which he just could not deliver that killer touch too.

His side-footed shot late in the second half, which was easily held by goalkeeper Victor Valdes, will haunt him. It was not the easiest of opportunities but given whom it fell to, it was one that he will have expected to have taken. Tiredness had gripped him by then, the product of his extraordinary, sinew-wrenching exertions. But, for once, the Gods deserted a player they have so brilliantly blessed.

Henry's post-match rage at the referee should not detract from his elegant brilliance. His every involvement was kissed with the hallmark of a player at the cusp of his career. His control, pace, and balance purchased space that had Marquez and Carles Puyol grasping. The latter, Barcelona's captain, spent the moments before one Arsenal throw-in with his mane of curly hair flapping one way then the other as he frantically tried to fathom where Henry was.

But there would be retribution. Soon after, Lehmann went, and Marquez made a point of catching Henry on that tender achilles. Henry was incensed. Later, Puyol also clattered into him. There was further admonishment from Henry.

Puyol and Marquez are the most rugged of pairings. They were quarried rather than raised but against that Henry had an array of waspish, elusive talents. There was his involvement in Sol Campbell's goal. He crisply picked out the defender's run with a free-kick. A kiss to his forehead from Campbell by way of thanks.

Once more, Henry was provider. So often he is executioner although it's a curiosity that he has now played 788 minutes at this stadium without scoring. It's all the more curious because this is Henry's city: he was born to the south in the satellite town of Les Ulis and for a man fuelled by emotion as much as ability, his homecomings would be expected to inspire, not inhibit.

There was no lack of inspiration last night however. He was fearless. And desperately unfortunate.

Henry will decide before Sunday, when he is due to meet up with the rest of the French squad, whether to stay or go. It is a painful reminder to Arsenal at how soon they may lose him after seven remarkable years. Last night he lingered long to clap his side's fans.

It would be the greatest of shames for English football also. He has dominated the Premiership but this season, more than any other, has been about Henry in Europe. That goal in Madrid, the goal and the sublime pass for Cesc Fabregas against Juventus. And then his courageous performance in this match.

His commitment was unquestionable. He worked, harried, always tried to retrieve possession. He was hounding Puyol, gaining a corner. Arsenal were pinned back but Henry broke out, skipped past Puyol, past Marquez ­ only for the ball to run away. It was exhilarating. He was blowing hard, hands on hips, summoning his reserves, digging deep with his team. Then he had the chance. Barca scored almost instantly. And scored again. Few would deny them the right to have won. But it seemed unutterably cruel on Arsenal.