Sports

Red Bulls’ Thierry Henry primed for hot start after Arsenal loan

Not only did Red Bull captain Thierry Henry return from his loan spell uninjured, he appears to have come back from Arsenal inspired and energized as well. He scored the eventual winner in last night’s 2-1 victory over L.A., and put in an impressive performance that Hans Backe called perhaps his best in New York.

“He came our flying (yesterday). I wonder if this is perhaps the best I’ve seen him since he arrived to us. His pace, dropping down (into the midfield) and driving….’’ Backe marveled. “He still has a lot of pace. This was probably one of his best games so far; lively, on fire.’’

Henry arrived in the summer of 2010 off the World Cup in less than optimal health, and then was injured at the start of last season and suffering through a scoreless drought; but he appears primed for a solid start this season.

While the Red Bulls’ lack of possession against UNAM Pumas had forced Henry to drop deep for the ball after 25 minutes in that friendly, and hindered his impact, the French star had no such problems last night. He still came back into midfield for the ball last night, but after collecting it against the MLS Cup champion Galaxy, he strode with it on long, impressive sprints through the heart of their defense.

“I always said it; I can play the under striker,’’ said Henry. “I can play in that role. The boss has to decide; but sometimes the game is asking you to show up and take charge of the game. That’s what I tried to do. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. It did work (last) night.’’

In the 63rd minute he doubled what had been a 1-0 lead. He passed off to midfielder Dane Richards on the right flank and took off on a hard run. The speedy Jamaican swung a cross back into the box and Henry ran onto it, heading it into the back of the net for a highlight-reel goal.

“That’s what you have to do; get bodies in the box,’’ said Henry. “I just happened to carry on my run and Dane found me.’’

Kenny Cooper _ who scored the game’s first goal in the 13th minute, and appears likely to start up top alongside Henry for the immediate future with Luke Rodgers in visa limbo until March 8 _ was suitably impressed with his strike partner.

“His quality is obvious,’’ said Cooper. “His goal he took, fantastic (last) night. His overall play was fantastic as well.’’