Sorry, Mr. Wenger, now at last I comprehend. I disagreed when Thierry Henry was made captain and I was wrong. I thought we needed more experience in the transfer window than just William Gallas could offer and I was wrong. I began to believe that Arsene didn’t know best - I was wrong and I am sorry.

However, I am one happy Goonerbunny. Not because we hammered Blackburn 6-2, which was much appreciated. Not because we thrashed Charlton 4-0 and did it with style. What has made me happy is the new-found attitude of the club captain and the palpable effect on team moral

Everyone who has suggested that the wonderful Gilberto should retain the captaincy should gracefully backtrack and make excuses for their mistake. Henry is back and better than ever.

At this point, and at the risk of breaking up the flow, I must say that Gilberto’s temporary leadership has been fantastic and he is, and always will be, a hero to all Gooners. Just the amazing Gooner reaction when he was substituted bears witness to our love and respect for the quiet man.

Anyone who was at the Emirates Stadium on January 2, 2007, might just have witnessed the biggest turning point in Arsenal history since the appointment of St. Arsene of Wenger. I am not saying that we will never lose again or that we will miraculously win the Premiership this year; what I am saying is that for the first time we saw the future and it was good.

I once wrote that Thierry was a grouch who could do with smiley lessons, but again I was wrong. What he needed was a rest after the World Cup, someone else to shoulder some of the responsibilities of scoring and to know that we love him. All three were apparent against Charlton. He was alone in the centre circle before kick off when his name was announced in the first 11. There was a deafening roar from the crowd and I swear that his acknowledgment was the most personal that I have ever seen from a player. It was as though his arms were dragged aloft by the sheer energy coming from the adoring fans and he embraced each of us. A magic moment.

What for me summed up the change that this game introduced was when, at Thierry’s encouragement, Robin Van Persie stepped up to take the second penalty and Henry’s joyous reaction at RVP’s unstoppable strike. I am not sure that I have ever seen such intimacy between those two before. What a difference a few weeks makes.

Another indication of a sea change in the Arsenal captain was when he scored his goal. Instead of the usual quieting finger to the lips and serious look, we had a new man. He ran over and high-fived Arsene Wenger then danced with Emmanuel Adebayor, who was on the bench, all with a deserved grin of pleasure on his face.
Magic.

I am now, for the first time, beginning to think that next season we will seriously challenge for the Premiership and that we may have a chance in this year’s Champion’s League. We still need some progress but it is within grabbing distance. Philippe Senderos needs to get back to his best form and we need Gallas back. Aleksandr Hleb and Tomas Rosicky need to get that little more finish to go with their undoubted talents. We have skill and character everywhere, Kolo Toure, Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto.

Additionally, some of the youngsters look great and are very near the finished article. Theo Walcott, Denilson and the Flamster (number 16, goal machine Matti Flamini) all look great. We need to keep Mad Jens Lehman if we can. We all love him even if we are in a minority outside Germany. A little improvement from the rather under-used Beast would be welcome too.

So forget Patrick, Bobby, Edu and Dennis; they are as past as Joe Mercer or Ian Wright. We have seen the future and it is good, very good.

What do you think of the resurgence at Highbury? Can Arsenal win themselves some trophies? Let us have your comments.