Arsenal v Leeds as it happened

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By Chris Bevan
BBC Sport

2218: And this is where we call it a night. No doubt who it belonged to either. Thanks for keeping me company, and I'm already looking forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday for the Carling Cup semi-final between Crystal Palace and Cardiff. I cannot promise that Ian Wright and John Toshack will be lining up in the first leg at Selhurst Park, but we might get a good idea of which Championship side will face Liverpool or Manchester City in the final at Wembley. Cheerio for now.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wegner on seeing Thierry Henry come off the bench to score his side's winner against Leeds: "It's a written story a little bit. Of course, Thierry brought his class but it showed how much it means to him to make the finish. It's not something you predict before the game. It's great that he is back here and got the goal that qualifies us for the next round. The dressing room has plenty of people in there, it's a little bit euphoric because everybody is happy for Thierry of course."

2214: While the Thierry Henry tributes pour in, it's also worth giving some credit to Leeds United, who came to north London with a definite gameplan of keeping Arsenal quiet and would have pulled it off, if not for a certain 34-year-old Frenchman. Simon Grayson's young side defended resolutely and almost held out for a replay. Almost.

FULL-TIME Arsenal 1-0 Leeds Utd
Phil McNulty reports from the Emirates Stadium: "Thierry Henry has some scriptwriter as he makes his return to Arsenal with the FA Cup winner against Leeds United. The Gunners needed his inspiration - now can he write fresh chapters in his story before returning to New York."

2206: Just in case anyone out there needs reminding of what happened at the Emirates Stadium tonight, here's a quick reminder...

Leeds boss Simon Grayson after his side's FA Cup defeat by Arsenal: "I'm very proud of the players, they worked very hard and we kept our shape. Arsenal had possession and we coped but it was all set up for Thierry Henry. He bent it into the bottom corner, but we're not the only team he has done that too."

From Glen from Yorkshire, via text: "Michael Owen should take a leaf out of Scholes and Henry's book and stop tweeting and try and get back in the Man Utd first team."

the_palebard on Twitter: "Has any other player in Premier League era had the combination of mystique and actual end product as Henry? Legend."

DavePayn on Twitter: "Much more of this and Arsenal will progress to becoming a two man team!"

jbutler23 on Twitter: "Henry - fans of other clubs will never understand what he means to us. Fantastic."

Steve Claridge at the Emirates Stadium on BBC Radio 5 live: "It was pure and utter joy inside the Emirates Stadium, not only to have Henry back but for him to score as well."

Michael Owen on Twitter: "Great couple of days for football fans. Scholes and Henry back in business. What a season this has been so far."

More from Thierry Henry, who won the ESPN man of the match award by a mile because viewers were voting for him even before he came off the bench: "It's a joke I got man of the match, but I will take it. The goal was one opportunity and you don't know if you have a second opportunity so you have to make it count. I will always remember tonight. I don't know why, but something happens with me and this club, sometimes in a bad way but most of the time in history, in a good way."

An emotional Thierry Henry after scoring the winner against Leeds on his Arsenal comeback, four-and-a-half years after he left the club: "I don't know. It's kind of weird. I only came back from holiday from Mexico 15 days ago and I didn't think I was going to play for Arsenal again, let alone score a winner. The feeling when I scored was amazing, I rejoined the club as a fan. Scoring a goal as a fan is amazing and now I know how it feels."

Scott Andrews on Twitter: "Wow. Not often sport is this poignant. It's Hollywood. I feel as teary as he did when he came on."

ChrisJack28 on Twitter: "It's moments like this that make me love football. Welcome home Henry."

Duncan_twit on Twitter: "Great to see Henry score - not an Arsenal fan but can't help but smile to see a legend score again."

willknapp1 on Twitter: "The pride and passion just shown by Thierry Henry is exactly what Arsenal have been missing in the last few years. Welcome home."

2138: The stadium rises to salute Thierry Henry, even the Leeds fans. He thumps his hand on his heart as he celebrates with Gunners fans near the tunnel, but he doesn't have to tell us how much tonight has meant to him. It's obvious.

2136: Thierry Henry is absolutely exhausted. But at the final whistle he closes his eyes and raises both hands in jubilation - it is his night, and his win. Oh, and Arsenal are into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

2136: FULL-TIME Arsenal 1-0 Leeds

2132: I'm not sure how Thierry Henry avoids a booking here, as he hacks out at Aidan White after being hustled off the ball near the corner flag. Naughty boy. Anyway, Andrey Arshavin does get shown yellow, after diving in on White seconds later.

Jack Wilshere at the Emirates Stadium on Twitter: "Typical Henry! I'm Buzzing! #ReturnOftheKing"

2132: We will have three minutes of stoppage time, and Arsenal - at last - have some defending to do. The ball breaks for Mikael Forssell inside the area and his low shot brings a smart stop from Wojciech Szczesny, who has been a spectator for most of the evening.

2131: Thierry Henry has done absolutely nothing since scoring. Lazy, if you ask me...

2130: Arsenal don't need another goal, but they are still looking for one. Aaron Ramsey has a pop from the edge of the area but cannot keep his shot down.

Daniel Heath on Twitter: "As a fan of a different team, you can't help but admire the passion and love Thierry Henry has for Arsenal - its refreshing to see."

2127: Less than five minutes left for Leeds to ruin Thierry Henry's party. I can't see it myself.

2125: Another Premier League blast from the past? Surely not? Yep. Mikael Forssell, formerly of Chelsea and Birmingham, is on for Ramon Nunez. Will he set up a grandstand Finnish though? (apologies).

2123: After celebrating in front of the Gunners fans, Thierry Henry ran straight over to hug Arsene Wenger after scoring that goal, his 227th for Arsenal. No prizes for guessing who will be on the back page of every paper on Tuesday. Hang on, though, because Leeds respond by coming forward, and Michael Brown slams a fierce drive straight at Wojciech Szczesny from the edge of the area.

Arsenal goal: So, there WAS a script tonight? It certainly looks that way. It could be 2004 all over again as Thierry Henry ghosts into the left corner of the area to meet Alex Song's pass. He takes a touch then expertly places the ball into the opposite corner of the net. A top class finish, but then what did you expect? I think he might have enjoyed that, judging from his reaction.

2120: GOALFLASH Arsenal 1-0 Leeds (Thierry Henry)

2118: A poor clearance by Wojciech Szczesny sees the ball end up at the feet of Ramon Nunez, but the Pole is able to recover his lines to keep out what was a poor effort from the Honduran. Leeds have not exactly been ambitious tonight but there is no doubt they will be happy at 0-0.

Da Zubair on Twitter: "What a moment for Theo, coming on together with his idol..."

Chief football writer Phil McNulty at the Emirates Stadium: "Deafening ovation for the returning legend as Thierry Henry comes on for Arsenal. The stage is certainly set. Arsenal need a finishing touch from someone - but Leeds still holding very firm."

2116: Another Leeds change. Ross McCormack is on for Luciano Becchio, who had Leeds only decent chance of the night a long, long time ago.

2115: I'm determined to write a paragraph without mentioning Thierry Henry but I haven't managed it since he came on. Sorry. Anyway, Arsenal are piling on the pressure now, and Darren O'Dea has to head behind another dangerous cross.

2114: Some neat little touches from Thierry Henry since he came on but, seeing as he hasn't beaten eight men and smashed the ball in from 40 yards yet, I'm pretty unimpressed.

2112: Less than 20 minutes left for Thierry Henry - sorry, I mean Arsenal - to find a way past Leeds' massed defence. Aston Villa are waiting for the victors in round four, if there are any tonight.

2111: Here we go. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's last touch of the night sees him scuff a shot wide from the edge of the area - Theo Walcott is on instead. There's one more change too, greeted with delirious cheers from the home fans. Yep, Thierry Henry is on for Marouane Chamakh. To be fair, Chamakh has been so bad tonight that if I had come on for him, I would have probably got the same reaction.

2109: Well, when the ball goes out of play anyway...

2108: And Theo Walcott too.

2107: Here comes Thierry...

2105: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stings the palms of Andy Lonergan with a long-range rasper, before Leeds manage to break out of their own half. It ends in tears, though, because Andros Townsend is booked for booting the ball away after being denied a corner.

2102: Another effort by Arsenal, with Alex Song's daisy-cutter from 25 yards failing to trouble Andy Lonergan. Leeds had rather more success with their shooting before the game, when Michael Brown deliberately smacked the ball straight at ESPN pundit Martin Keown during his pre-match on-pitch analysis, and the veteran former Manchester City and Sheffield United midfielder will get the chance to show off his accuracy again now - he is on for Mika Vayrynen.

2059: This definitely counts as Arsenal's best spell of the game now. They find space down the opposite flank this time and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sends over a chipped cross that Darren O'Dea has to head over his own bar.

2057: No end-product here, though. Andrey Arshavin has acres of space in the area after Leeds give the ball away softly, but his cross-shot flies across the face of goal to safety.

2056: More positive signs for Arsenal, who even manage an end-product this time, when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's pull-back is helped on to Mikel Arteta, but his low shot is pushed away by Andy Lonergan.

2053: After a rare break by Leeds, Arsenal get another sniff - thanks to a loose ball from Zac Thompson. The Leeds defender passes straight to Andrey Arshavin, who finds Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain surging into the area with a searching cross-field ball. He has time to take a touch but goes for the spectacular and his first-time shot skids off target. A bit of a waste, really.

2051: Arsenal are still seeing a lot of the ball, but Leeds are still defending in numbers. Even when Andrey Arshavin does get behind the visitors' defence, they get men back to block him out, with Tom Lees helping out Zac Thompson.

2048: What's this? There are things happening on the pitch too? Yep. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cuts in from the right to make space for a shot, but he doesn't really get hold of it... and the ball rolls harmlessly wide.

2047: The second half is now under way. Things have already livened up - Thierry Henry is warming up.

From Doug in Eastbourne, via text: "Re 2036. The magic of the Cup you say? That's what you get when Leeds come with 10 defenders. Maybe someone should tell them they won't get a point for a draw."

From anon, via text: "Forget Thierry... even Lenny Henry would liven this game up."

scobiedog1 on Twitter: "Adam Clayton gets enough people commenting about his name without you too!"

2041: To be honest, the best thing about that half was the avalanche of Adam Clayton jokes I got from you lot. My favourite one involved Leeds winning the Cup and qualifying for the Zooropa League.

leonbeckett on Twitter: "After that half... I'd even have Thierry's statue come on to have a go."

rrengland3 on Twitter: "Am I really giving up precious revision time for this?"

2036: Er, it's not exactly a classic is it? Whatever happened to the magic of the Cup?

Steve Claridge at the Emirates Stadium on BBC Radio 5 live: "The Arsenal players you would expect to exploit space and the opposition, haven't done so. Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey have not passed it quickly enough. It's been slow and laborious and Leeds have coped."

Frustrated Fan on Twitter: "Camera cuts to Jack Wilshere yawning in the stands. Sums it up, really."

HALF-TIME Arsenal 0-0 Leeds
Chief football writer Phil McNulty's HT snapshot from the Emirates Stadium: "The first 45 minutes has only increased the appetite for Thierry Henry's introduction after the break. Arsenal on top but Leeds are resilient and well-organised - and very happy with their night's work so far."

2034: HALF-TIME Arsenal 0-0 Leeds

2033: Arsenal end the half on the attack, with a corner, but they are not really getting any closer to breaking the deadlock - Laurent Koscielny meets it at the far post, only to send his header looping over. Not much to get excited about so far, then, unless you count an Arsenal legend sitting on the bench.

2031: Darren O'Dea flies in at 100mph as Marouane Chamakh escapes down the right, and that is a free-kick and a yellow card. But Leeds clear their lines easily enough and, thankfully, this half is almost over. Just one minute of added time to be played.

Will S on Twitter: "With all these full back injuries & players coming out of retirement, any chance Winterburn & Dixon will come back to help out?"

2027: That Mikel Arteta free-kick was not one of his finest, although it did lead to a corner... which was easily cleared. We don't get to see Thierry Henry's reaction this time, but I bet he was thinking he could do a lot better.

Steve Claridge at the Emirates Stadium on BBC Radio 5 live: "The game needs a goal. At this stage, Arsenal don't have any problems and Simon Grayson will be happy they haven't conceded. Although it isn't great watching so far, both managers will be relatively happy."

2025: No goals so far, and not many chances about at the moment either. Leeds have succeeded in clogging up the midfield and Arsenal are not finding any way through. They will get a chance to fire in a free-kick now, though, after Mika Vayrynen hacks down Mikel Arteta.

Clarkie365 on Twitter: "Great, another fullback injured, although he's makeshift, its still another big blow!"

tommydutts87 on Twitter: "This game needed Thierry after 0:01 mins."

Chief football writer Phil McNulty at the Emirates Stadium: "Leeds United fans giving it the "Ole" as they pass it around - not quite 7-0 Revie-era v Southampton but they're enjoying it."

2018: Nico Yennaris, squad number 56, brings Arsenal back up to 11 men. He's 18, and born in Leytonstone, in case you were wondering.

2017: Yep, Francis Coquelin has disappeared down the tunnel clutching his hamstring, and Nico Yennaris is about to come on instead. Just over half an hour gone, and it is still 0-0. This game could do with Thierry Henry if you ask me.

2015: Arsenal have a problem because Francis Coquelin is down and in pain down by the Leeds' by-line. Coquelin tweaked something as he went on the overlap to support Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and I don't think he can continue. The last thing Arsenal need is to see another full-back injured too.

2010: At last, a sight of goal for Leeds. Arsenal fail to clear a hoisted free-kick and Luciano Becchio should at the very least test Wojciech Szczesny from 10 yards out. Instead, he slices the ball over. Still, it's the closest they have come so far.

2008: More Arsenal pressure. Again, Andrey Arshavin taunts the Leeds defence, and again he feeds Aaron Ramsey. This time Ramsey gets a shot away, but it is blocked by Tom Lees. From the corner, the ball falls for Mikel Arteta but his shot flies a couple of yards wide.

2006: Much better from Andrey Arshavin this time, with a mazy run towards the edge of the box before he just over-cooks his slipped pass to Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman reaches the ball and tries to take it round Andy Lonergan but cannot stop it going out of play.

Imani Likita on Twitter: "The roof will actually come off at the Emirates if Thierry gets on that pitch tonight!"

2003: The travelling Leeds fans have not had much to get excited about so far, so they are entertaining themselves behind Andy Lonergan's goal. That means the backdrop to Arsenal's latest pot-shot is a mass of waving scarves.. it was Aaron Ramsey who tried his luck, but his effort fizzed a few yards high and wide.

2001: Fair to say that Arsenal defender Sebastien Squillaci isn't exactly a fans' favourite at the Emirates Stadium. They seem to be expecting disaster every time the ball comes near him. Still, he can do some more welcome damage at the other end and has just gone within a couple of yards of hitting the target with his back-post header from Mikel Arteta's free-kick.

1954: The TV cameras are showing Thierry Henry's reaction every time Arsenal have a pop on goal. He is deep in conversation most of the time and it would make it easier for non lip-readers to know what he was thinking if he could hold up a little sign in future... eg 'my statue could do better than that' for those last two efforts.

1950: Another effort by Andrey Arshavin, from the edge of the area this time. Again, he skies it. The Gunners are dominating possession but Leeds are not helping themselves - that chance came about after the visitors had a free-kick on the half-way line but played the ball backwards.

1947: Our first effort on goal of the night, and it's a forgettable one. Andrey Arshavin lets fly from 25 yards out and clears the crossbar by, ooh, at least 10 miles.

1946: We are under way in north London.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Thierry Henry: "He's not played for a long time but he's quite fit. We don't want to put too much pressure on him but if there an opportunity he will play tonight. He is world class and you see in training he has not lost that. We want him to be relaxed and comfortable and help us out."

Leeds boss Simon Grayson speaking before kick-off at the Emirates Stadium: "Thierry Henry has taken the limelight away from us. It's nice to see him on bench rather than starting because he's been fantastic in the Premier League and we are aware of his qualities."

1943: Arsenal have never lost to a lower division side in the FA Cup under Arsene Wenger, although they did come very close to losing that record last year. Time to see if Leeds can finish the job this time...

1942: Here come the players at the Emirates Stadium. David Beckham is in the stands... although, given what has happened in the last couple of days, it wouldn't have been a huge surprise if he was sitting on the Leeds bench.

1940: So, what exactly are we expecting from Thierry Henry tonight? He's already lifted the fans, so what impact will he have on the pitch, if and when he comes on of course? If these things were scripted, then a goal would be on the cards. But you wouldn't bet against Leeds raining on his parade either.

1937: Just to 'update' you on our Leeds team news, Mika Vayrynen replaces Alex Bruce not Ramon Nunez, who is playing. For update, read correct. Sorry.

Davros183 on Twitter: "Re 1932. Poor Adam Clayton is probably sick of U2 jokes, With or Without You chipping in."

1932: By the way, despite the presence of Adam Clayton in the Leeds starting line-up tonight I promise to go easy on the U2 gags. To be honest, I still haven't found the joke I was looking for.

EdwardSpence on Twitter: "Re 1905. Any Arsenal fan saying FA cup over top 4 must be mad, Champions League is the only measure of a successful club"

ARSENAL vs LEEDS TEAM NEWS
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports from the Emirates Stadium: "So Thierry Henry starts on the bench for Arsenal with Robin van Persie rested. He is part of a glorious past - but The Emirates will hope to get a glimpse into a glittering future as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gets a start. Mikel Arteta captains The Gunners tonight. For Leeds, there are two changes. Tom Lees comes in for Patrick Kisnorbo in defence and in midfield Mika Vayrynen replaces Alex Bruce."

From Pete in Leeds, via text: "Re 1905. As a Portsmouth fan, if I could take back our 2008 FA Cup success to still be in the Premier League, I wouldn't - however bad our finances get it's one thing that we'll always have and can't sell!"

1922: Re 1905. Most Arsenal fans seem to be going for the top four option, and I kind of understand why. Yes, the point of football is winning stuff... but not being in the Champions League will mean it will be a lot harder to tempt top players to the Emirates Stadium and, just as importantly, keep them there. For Leeds, it seems less cut and dry. The prospect of any subsequent/other success seems a bit more remote, no? And remember, I am GIVING you a couple of days out at Wembley and your first major trophy since 1992 too.

StefanieKent24 on Twitter: "Re 1905. Definitely would prefer to win the FA cup than finish in the top 4... But we will win Champions League so will qualify any way."

Hoyle142 on Twitter: "Re 1905. As a Leeds fan I'd take the Cup for now, we can't beat Barnsley so I'd rather be spared from going straight back down."

Arsenal v Leeds line-ups
Arsenal: Szczesny, Koscielny, Miquel, Squillaci, Coquelin, Arteta, Song, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh, Arshavin. Subs: Martinez, Park, Henry, Walcott, Benayoun, Miyaichi, Yennaris.
Leeds: Lonergan, Thompson, Lees, O'Dea, White, Townsend, Pugh, Nunez, Clayton, Becchio, Vayrynen. Subs: Taylor, Bruce, Brown, Sam, Forssell, Parker, McCormack.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

From Ben Sadek, via text: "My heart says lift the cup! A trophy may change the fortunes at the Emirates and bring long term success. However my head says Champions League qualification if we want to hang on to the likes of RVP, Vermaelen, Walcott and Szczesny!"

From Birmigham Fan, via text: "Re 1905. You have to think of the long game. We won a cup last year and have been in and out on the Premier League and I'd much rather be up now than having won a cup."

Rataxas on Twitter: "Re 1905. Top four for me. Rather play in Champs League than lift the FA Cup. Cup is one-off, ECL is the gift that keeps on giving..."

mgduffy92 on Twitter: "Re 1905. For LUFC its promotion to the Premier League every time!"

zigakovac on Twitter: "Re 1905. Interesting question but to tell you the truth... nobody's going to win anything. And we all know it."

ARSENAL vs LEEDS (1945 GMT)
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports from the Emirates Stadium: "Arsenal needed a last-minute penalty from Cesc Fabregas at the Emirates Stadium to get a replay at this stage of the FA Cup last year and Arsene Wenger is warning against a repeat, saying: "We have the experience of last year when we couldn't beat them at home, so let's hope we can do it this year." Leeds manager Simon Grayson believes his side are in the mood to cause an upset and said: "The players won't be gung-ho because Arsenal on their day can destroy anyone but there's always one upset in the third round. Why can't it be Leeds beating Arsenal?"

1908: This is going to come as a shock, but Barcelona's Lionel Messi has just won the FIFA Ballon d'Or prize for the best player of 2011. I know. Unbelievable scenes.

1907: This isn't exclusive to Gunners/Leeds fans, mind. Assuming your team either 1) used to win loads of trophies (but hasn't for a while), or 2) used to play in the Premier League (but hasn't for a while)... then would you take the silverware and run, or think of the long game? You decide...

1905: A couple of questions for you: Firstly, Arsenal fans... if you could choose, would you prefer 1) to win the FA Cup, or 2) to finish in the top four this season? Similarly, Leeds supporters... would you take 1) lifting the Cup, or 2) promotion to the Premier League? Tweet the commentary via the hashtag #BBCFootball, Tweet me @chrisbevan_bbc or text in via 81111 (UK).

ARSENAL vs LEEDS (1945 GMT)
Chief football writer Phil McNulty reports from the Emirates Stadium: "Only one headline in town at The Emirates on Monday - and that is the return of Thierry Henry, back at Arsenal on a two-month loan after leaving for Barcelona in 2007. He is expected to play some part against Leeds United in the FA Cup third round and there may be some understandable trepidation from the Yorkshiremen as the last time he faced them om 16 April 2004 he scored four times in Arsenal's 5-0 win."

1856: BREAKING ARSENAL TEAM NEWS: As expected, there is no Robin van Persie for Arsenal tonight. Marouane Chamakh is on his own up front, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andrey Arshavin behind him. Yossi Benayoun joins Thierry Henry among the substitutes. Full line-ups and Leeds news with you in just a tick.

1851: Yep. We've seen Scholesy's comeback... now for Thierry Henry. I've just seen the Arsenal team for tonight and the Gunners' talisman will begin the game on the bench. I think he might just get a run-out later you know...

1847: Hello. Did you think the FA Cup round third-round weekend is over? It isn't. Well, apart from the weekend bit, which is. Arsenal versus Leeds all seems very last year to me, but then nostalgia is all the rage in football these days, isn't it?