Henry wins writers' award

Henry has dominated the players' awards in the past two seasons

Arsenal's Thierry Henry has become the first player to win the Footballer of the Year award in successive seasons.

The French striker polled 87% of the votes cast in the poll by the English Football Writers' Association.

Chelsea's England star Frank Lampard was second, while Henry's Arsenal colleague Patrick Vieira was third.

Henry's honour comes two weeks after he was voted the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year for the second successive season.

He said: "It is a real honour to receive this award for the second year running.

"But, as I always say, it would not have been possible without my team-mates and, of course, the manager.

"When I collected this award last season I would have swapped it for a team award but thankfully this year we have won the title so I can really enjoy it this time around.

"You know we have a special group of players at Arsenal and an amazing team spirit.

"I love being part of this team and really believe we have a big future."

Henry has scored 37 goals this term, including 29 in the Premier League, to help Arsenal clinch the title.

The Gunners are one game away from completing their campaign unbeaten.