Thierry Henry says Arsenal’s approach under Mikel Arteta deserves respect, even if some supporters and pundits find it less attractive than the football associated with the club in the past.
Arteta led Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 20 years last season, although the Gunners missed out on European success after losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in May.
Arsenal have nonetheless faced criticism for their reliance on set pieces and defensive organisation. Their 24.7% possession against Paris Saint-Germain was the lowest recorded by a Champions League finalist since statistics began in 2004.
Speaking to Jerome Rothen on French broadcaster RMC Sport, Henry compared Arsenal’s current identity with Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone and defended the time given to Arteta to develop the team.
“It’s not really anger, but you have to understand, it took Arteta about three and a half to four years to refine the team to championship-contending level,” Henry said.
“Building a strong team is never easy. The club’s management chose to trust him and give him time, and he proved himself to be an excellent coach.”
Henry argued that Arsenal had previously been criticised for lacking physical strength despite producing attractive football.
“In the past, when people talked about Arsenal, the narrative was always: ‘We are soft, opponents can easily run over us and do whatever they want, but we play beautiful football,’” he said.
“But at some stage, you have to overcome Liverpool and Manchester City. Arteta has been working hard, constantly trying to find ways to surpass Manchester City.”
“Now we are tough, we dominate duels, it’s hard for opponents to create chances, and they can no longer easily control us. As a result, some people say our playing style isn’t attractive.”
Henry said Arsenal’s long wait for a league title meant results had to take priority over style.
“In my opinion, Arsenal has been without a league title for too long, so sometimes you have to find a real way to win,” he said.
“I understand the discussions, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But when this is our way of playing, our team’s characteristicstop repeatedly questioning it.”
He added that Arsenal’s cautious display in the Champions League final was consistent with their approach against high-level opposition.
“People always ask me if I was surprised by our tactics in the Champions League final. My answer is no surprise at all,” Henry said.
“This is not negative or giving up; it’s just game strategy. I’ve seen many teams win all honors this way, and I’ve also seen teams lift trophies with beautiful attacking play.”
Henry acknowledged Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat by Brighton, when he said their defensive performance was “non-existent”, but maintained that opponents rarely score heavily against them.
“You might not like this style, but you have to respect Arteta. He brought trophies back to the club, and I respect that,” he said.
“Perhaps the playing style isn’t always pleasing to the eye, but for a long time, teams all over Europe feared playing against Atletico Madridand that’s what Arsenal is like now. Opponents don’t want to face us.”
