English writers pick Henry

LONDON: Arsenal striker Thierry Henry achieved a double yesterday when he was named English football’s ‘Player of the Year” by the Football Writers’ Association.

The French star also won the “Player of the Year” award from the Professional Footballers’ Association, the player’s union, on Sunday. Henry beat out Manchester United striker Ruud van Nilstelrooy for both prizes. Henry, 25, is the fourth Frenchman to lift the writers’ award, following Eric Cantona (1996), David Ginola (1999) and last year’s winner, Robert Pires. He is also the 11th player to win both the PFA and FWA trophies in the same season. Henry has scored 34 goals for Arsenal this season, including 22 in Premier League matches. Newcastle captain Alan Shearer was third in the writers’ voting, with Gianfranco Zola of Chelsea fourth and Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira fifth.

“Thierry Henry is a worthy winner who has scored some magnificent goals this season and made another massive contribution to Arsenal’s season,” said FWA chairman Gerry Cox. “Henry made all the early running when the poll opened, but was challenged by van Nistelrooy in a race which mirrored Arsenal and Manchester United’s fight for the title.” Arsenal, the defending FA Cup and league champions, are seeking to be the first club to retain both. Manchester United have 77 points with two matches remaining, and Arsenal have 72 points with three matches left. The Gunners meet Southampton in the FA Cup final on May 17.