Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has hit back at widespread criticism of Arsenal this season, stressing that the nature of their first Premier League title in 22 years does not matter.
On Tuesday, Arsenal have the opportunity to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the third consecutive year, as they welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta’s side could find themselves in an unprecedented position should they progress. During the 2010-11 campaign, the Gunners’ contention for all four trophies collapsed in the space of two weeks, thanks to a Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona and a shock League Cup final loss to Birmingham City.
This Arsenal team are closer than ever to securing multiple major honours, though their progression under Arteta has continued to raise eyebrows this season.
Henry pushes back on intensifying criticism
Having been part of Arsenal’s last title win in 2004, Arsenal Invincible Thierry Henry understands the difficulty of becoming champions.
Speaking on Monday Night Football, the Arsenal icon refuted reservations over the Gunners’ style of play in recent seasons.
“I don’t have to like it as an Arsenal fan, but I surely respect it. After 22 years, I’m not saying that we’re going to win the league, but no matter how they’re going to do it, I’m going to respect it.
“It doesn’t matter what I like, it doesn’t matter what my mum likes, or my dad likes. We asked Mikel Arteta to find a way, and he did. It’s as simple as that. I want to win the league; it’s been 22 years.
“For a very long time, Arsenal have been accused of being boys. Not being able to keep a lead, getting bullied. Can they win ugly? That’s exactly what the team is doing and mastering that.
The Frenchman was vehement in his defence of Arteta’s side, emphasising the importance of winning above all else. Arsenal’s history of success transcends the prominence of Arsène Wenger’s free-flowing sides.
“What is the Arsenal way? My way? George Graham? What is it? If you think about how the ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ came about, that’s closer to Graham than what we were playing, but how Arsenal were playing was closer to us and what Arsene was trying to do. But Arsenal won under Graham and Wenger. What’s the issue here?”
Should Arsenal’s style garner respect rather than repulsion?
Despite the deluge of criticism that has engulfed the discourse around Arsenal, their ability to consistently win in the face of adversity should instead be celebrated.
Speaking on Sky Sports alongside Thierry, Jamie Carragher underlined Arteta’s adaptability in the face of a changing football landscape.
“When Arteta first came in, we put him in a box. We said he’s a Pep Guardiola coach and he’ll play that football at Arsenal. With other managers, you know what Klopp is from day one. We knew what Pep was from day one.
“The season where they finished fifth and then second, the football was fantastic. But from last season, he’s morphed from one style into almost a Mourinho-style. I’ve been calling Arsenal and Arteta that for a couple of years, but not as a criticism.
Arsenal’s past reliance on small, technical players under Arsène Wenger led them to consistent failure in the Premier League. Arteta’s willingness to redefine Arsenal’s identity has now opened the door for their first taste of serious success in the modern game.
Carragher highlighted this change, recognising that Arsenal’s physical prowess has been a key component of their evolution this year.
“That first season, they finished second, they went to Man City and got beaten up, and it cost them the league. Ever since then, every signing they’ve made has been a physical profile. That wasn’t the case when he first came to the club. It’s about power and strength.”
At a time when very few sides are capable of rising to Arsenal’s level, the Gunners should be praised for the tenacity in likely finding a way to get over the line this season.