The Rest Is Football

Episode: Thierry Henry: The Moments That Made Them

Hosts: Gary Lineker (A), Alan Shearer (C), Micah Richards (B)
Date: January 7, 2026

Overview

This episode launches a new "Premier Greats: The Moments That Made Them" series, with Henry as the first football legend profiled. Gary, Alan, and Micah break down five defining matches in Thierry Henry’s Premier League career, exploring his brilliance, unique style, and magnetic influence both on and off the pitch. With personal anecdotes, tactical discussion, and plenty of banter, the trio illuminate what made Henry a Premier League icon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thierry Henry’s Early Challenges and Impact

• On Henry’s Arrival at Arsenal

  • Brought “flair, pace, skill”—everything required in a top-class forward.
  • Unique style set him apart: "He had his own unique style, which was amazing." (Alan Shearer, 03:31)
  • Micah Richards recalls idolizing Henry, despite being a Man City fan, and admiring his presence and confidence: “Shoulders back, his smile, even his haircut…high top…” (Micah, 04:49)

• Initial Struggles

  • Henry struggled with a goal drought: “He’d gone quite a few games, eight appearances without scoring…” (Gary, 06:41)
  • Both Alan and Gary relate to tough starts at new clubs (10:03–11:21).

Notable Quote

“Even him [Henry] would have had a bit of self-doubt... even when you’re going through those periods and it seems like forever.”
— Alan Shearer (11:21)

2. The First Defining Moment: Henry’s First Arsenal Goal (06:41–08:44)

• First goal broke an eight-game drought, showing promise in his ability to improvise—holding off a defender and rolling him skillfully.
• Alan: “The way he rolled a defender… because his touch was that quick and the way he swiveled was that quick, he was almost impossible to stop when he was in that position.” (07:18)
• Micah highlights Henry's work ethic and intensity, not just in football but in training and fitness:

  “He embarrassed me… Never ever, ever train with this guy. It’s not normal… his drive, his commitment, he’s just… different.”
  — Micah Richards (08:45–09:11)

3. Iconic Goals & Gameplay

A) The Legendary Volley vs. Manchester United (12:00–15:10)

• The flick, turn, and volley at Highbury: “Unbelievable. We just went, wow…” (Gary, 12:12)
• Insight into Henry’s thought process:

  “He said he looked where the goalkeeper was and then he always wanted to do it… he waited for the right moment…”
  — Micah Richards (12:39)

• Micah discusses his celebration, linking it to a popular film: “Some scary movie everyone was doing at the time…” (13:35)
• Alan: “So many things have to happen… It’s a ridiculously tough piece of skill. And he’s made it look so, so easy…” (13:11)

B) The Solo Goal vs. Tottenham (16:19–17:50)

• Henry’s famous 3/4-pitch run and finish, commemorated with a statue:

  “To pick the ball up there and have the strength… then to have the ability to do that—which is the most important thing, by the way…”
  — Alan Shearer (17:10)

• Micah: “Get off me,” imitating Henry’s strength fending off defenders (17:16)
• Alan appreciates Henry’s awareness:

  “He’s thought, after he scored that goal, I’m going to do this thing that will end up being a statue. Now, that is intelligence, that kind of pose.”
  (17:38)

C) The Liverpool Goal (18:03–18:51)

• “Side-stepping one, sidestepping two… That is brilliant… just look at Cara’s body. He runs into his own player!” (Micah, 18:14)
• Showcases Henry’s skill in wrong-footing multiple defenders.

4. All-Round Greatness and Team Context

• Discussion on Henry’s status:

  “He’s got to be right at the top, isn’t he?”
  — Gary Lineker (18:51)

• Alan & Micah agree Henry is the best all-round forward of the Premier League era due to not only goal-scoring but assists, flair, and versatility (19:04–19:32):

  “He wasn’t just a goalscorer either… probably the best all-round”
  — Gary Lineker (19:04)

  “Don’t forget his assists as well.”
  — Micah Richards (18:57)

• On the ‘Invincibles’ season:

  “To go a whole season undefeated in the league is quite extraordinary…”
  — Gary Lineker (19:58)

  “They were so strong. Tough to play against, really. The best left back. When you put all that together, that’s why they were unbeaten…”
  — Alan Shearer (21:16)

5. The Backheel Against Charlton (20:53)

• “Clean through the legs as well.” — Alan Shearer (20:53)
• “Goalkeeper’s got to do better there, though.” — Micah Richards (20:56)
• Discussed as another example of how Henry’s genius would manifest in the subtlest moments.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Micah, on hero worship:

  “He was my hero… even his haircut…” (04:10, 04:49)

• On Henry’s relentless work ethic:

  “He’s got something in his brain where he needs to be the best.” (08:08)

• Alan on self-doubt and dry runs:

  “Even him would have had a bit of self-doubt. Even when you’re going through those periods and it seems like forever…” (11:21)

• Iconic goal at Highbury:

  “What makes you think to do that?” (12:33)

• Micah on Henry’s all-round contribution:

  “I think he’s the best all round because don’t forget his assists as well.” (18:57)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:31 — Alan praises Henry’s unique style
• 06:41 — Henry’s first Arsenal goal
• 08:45 — Micah’s gym story, Henry’s intensity
• 12:00 — Highbury volley vs. Manchester United
• 16:19 — Solo goal vs. Tottenham (The Statue moment)
• 18:03 — Explosive goal vs. Liverpool, defenders “sent the wrong way”
• 19:58 — Discussion of the Invincibles season
• 20:53 — Backheel goal against Charlton

Summary Flow & Tone

The conversation is breezy, packed with inside jokes and mutual ribbing, yet remains deeply insightful. Gary facilitates with calm authority, Alan provides technical and psychological perspective, while Micah lends the fresh fan-turned-pro voice, replete with enthusiasm and vivid anecdotes.

The hosts return throughout to Henry’s defining attributes: supreme self-belief, relentless work ethic, iconic moments of skill and audacity—even intertwining their own personal experiences with pressure, droughts, and greatness. The tone is reverential but witty, making this a comprehensive and highly engaging tribute to Thierry Henry’s Premier League legacy.