Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has spoken of his gratitude towards Thierry Henry.

The veteran French striker came off the bench to score the winning goal as the Gunners claimed all three points from their trip to Sunderland this afternoon.

Talking to BBC Sport after the match, Wenger was full of praise for his fellow countryman.

"Thierry is more impressive than before - he only plays 20 minutes and he scores. Sunderland played well and we showed exceptional spirit and character," said Wenger.

"I'm sorry to be losing Thierry, but that is what we accepted at the start. But we are grateful for what he has done on the pitch and also in training.

"We tried to keep him, but he is the captain of the New York Red Bulls and their season starts in two weeks."

Henry will return to New York next weekend.