Published: 20 September, 2012

WE watched from the high stands of the Bernabeu as undoubtedly the best player ever to play in the Premiership cut through the Real Madrid team as if they were amateurs.

Time stood still on that Champions League night a few years ago now, an unforgettable experience as Zidane, Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Robinho, Raul and Ronaldo – all appearing in a Los Blancos shirt – became spectators to Thierry Henry’s brilliance too. It was the night Arsenal bettered Real at their intimidating home stadium.

Those watching back home will remember the excitement in ITV's commentary: “Here’s Henry getting clear, it’s Thierry Henry. He’s SCORED. HE’S SCORED FOR ARSENAL IN THE BERNABEU. No more, no less than they merit. Thierry Henry. The Gunner Galactico.”

Forgive me for recalling this little treasure. But if there is one thing that Manchester City haven't been able to buy – and they’ve bought pretty much everything else, including that Premiership trophy that sits in their cabinet alongside a mountain of receipts for Arsenal players – it is a European moment like that. Each hugely-expensive transfer has simply been trumped with another. So, when this most crude route to success fell apart in a couple of moments of mayhem at the end of City’s defeat in Madrid on Tuesday night, I tried to weep but no tears would come. Man City can buy, buy, buy, but they’d never have been able to buy Thierry.
RICHARD OSLEY

OOH, victories over a couple of the biggest strugglers in England and France and the Quadruple is suddenly on.
Ahh, you’ve got to love those Gooners.

Well at least Olivier ‘Dave’ Giroud was spared a few blushes in the lucky, lucky win over Montpellier.

Apparently the poor love was worried about how “small” to make his celebration should he score against the team he was such a big fish at. We never got to see how teeny and insignificant he could make his goal dance because he didn’t manage to do the thing that Arsenal stumped up all those millions for.

Still, hats off to him for showing his old club respect.  Wonder if AVB will try to keep his Freddie Mercury routine in check if we should score against Chelsea when they rock up at the Lane next month. Do hope not.

In fact I’d quite like it if he tried a Jose Mourinho versus Man City celebration and slid half-way across the pitch on his knees. I’d like it even more if he could make Petr Cech cry as much as Joe Hart did at the Bernabeu.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

 We’ve got our own glorious nights of Europa Super Duper League action before that.

This time we’re giving it a real go. So cancel that night class, call in the babysitters and finish work early, because Thursday nights are the real European football nights.

Don‘t believe anyone who tells you any different.
CATHERINE ETOE