The Frenchman’s spot-kick manoeuvre with Robert Pires backfired against Manchester City, but that has not removed his theatrical, even magical, touch.

It was not even his two accomplished finishes that caught the eye at Highbury in Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Sunderland, moving him within eight goals of Cliff Bastin’s club league scoring record.

Instead, it was the goal that Henry did not quite manage to score which summed up the entertainment value which he is still set upon providing, even as the Gunners strive to keep pace with Chelsea.

Receiving a flick by the excellent Robin van Persie, who scored Arsenal’s first goal, Henry instantly controlled the ball with his back to goal before attempting a simply magical overhead kick.

Had it struck the back of the net, it would have been a near-certainty for goal of the season. Instead, it hit the far post and a moment to cherish simply lived in the memory rather than the record books.

Then again, Henry still managed to put the game beyond any doubt in the closing stages after Sunderland had dared to pull a goal back through Alan Stubbs after somehow avoiding a much bigger thrashing.

The visitors, who have won just five points out of a possible 60 under McCarthy in two seasons in the Premiership, must have feared the worst from the start, having lost to Arsenal’s reserves in the Carling Cup only recently.

Van Persie scored twice at the Stadium of Light and while Jose Antonio Reyes squandered the Gunners’ first chance at Highbury, shooting into the side netting rather than squaring the ball to Henry, the Dutchman was soon on target again.

Sol Campbell, who is looking to regain his England place for next weekend’s friendly against Argentina, played a superb long ball from the back, which van Persie chested down.

The Dutchman hardly broke stride before powering a half-volley past 18-year-old keeper Ben Alnwick, who was making his Premiership debut as a replacement for under-fire Kelvin Davis.

Arsenal continued to trouble the suspect Sunderland defence, with Van Persie tormenting Danny Collins as he twisted and turned inside the penalty area before creating the space to attempt an audacious lob which failed to clear Alnwick.

However, it was only a matter of time before the second breakthrough came and it was Henry who tapped the ball home from close range on 36 minutes.

Van Persie was again an integral figure, flicking Robert Pires’ pass into the path of Lauren, who delivered an excellent low cross which, via a slight deflection, ran straight into Henry’s path. The Frenchman made no mistake from close range and Sunderland were left with a mountain to climb.

Even with two changes at the break, as Stephen Elliott and Anthony Le Tallec came on for Jonathan Stead and Gray, the visitors’ early second-half pressure resulted only in a header deflected wide from Stubbs.

Back came Arsenal with thrilling pace and penetration, with Henry flicking a long punt forward into the path of van Persie, who raced clear of the Sunderland defence only to miscue his shot as he attempted to chip Alnwick.

One turn by Van Persie on the edge of the penalty area was reminiscent of Bergkamp at his best, although his ensuing shot flashed past the post, while another effort was too close to Alnwick.

But while van Persie caught the eye, Henry produced the true magic with the overhead kick that took the breath away as it rattled the woodwork. Only he would have attempted anything so audacious, or even come close to pulling it off.

Soon afterwards, Van Persie was replaced to huge applause, with Bergkamp coming on to make his 300th league appearance for the club in his final season.

However, it was Sunderland who forced their way back into the game as Caldwell headed down a corner for Stubbs to spin onto inside the penalty area and bury his shot past Jens Lehmann.

Their hopes of forcing a shock draw lasted just seven minutes before Cesc Fabregas’ excellent through-ball set Henry through and the striker finished with aplomb.

While Campbell came close to conceding a late penalty, with handball claims being rejected, Arsenal’s victory was secure. So too is their place as this season’s great entertainers – even if not necessarily the champions.