Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny believes introduction of club legend was a turning point in their season

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes the arrival of club legend Thierry Henry was vital in helping turn their season around.

The Gunners made a poor start to the campaign and looked unlikely to break into the top four after starting September in 17th place.

The north Londoners mounted a recovery, however defeat in early January against Fulham left the north Londoners in sixth place, six points off fourth spot.

Henry joined on loan from New York Red Bulls and scored the winner in the next match against Leeds in the FA Cup third round.

And Szczesny believes it was that strike and the French forward’s presence at the club which helped them climb the table and eventually finish third.

“If you’re talking about turning points you have to give credit to one man, and I mean Thierry,” he told the Official Arsenal magazine. “When he came here, wow, it was something different.

“It was priceless to have someone around who’s been here, done it and was the best player in the world at one point.

“When he scored the winner against Leeds, the buzz around the stadium was the biggest I’ve ever felt – and I think it had a big impact on the players too. Going into the dressing room afterwards and seeing everyone so happy for Thierry was a really big moment.

“Then he scored the winner at Sunderland in his final game for us. That was the one that turned the season around in my opinion, coming back from 1-0 down and Thierry scoring at the end. Things like that give you confidence and simply put you in a better mood.”