Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Henry questions where Arteta’s Arsenal are heading after recent disappointment

Mikel Arteta Arsenal

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has questioned where the Gunners are headed under current manager Mikel Arteta.

The north London side are looking to get back into Europe this term after finishing eighth last season. They had a disappointing start to the campaign which included three defeats in their opening three league games.

Arsenal responded to that poor run with three successive victories against Norwich, Burnley and Tottenham. The 3-1 win against Nuno Espirito Santo’s team was a particularly good result as it showcased Arsenal at their attacking best.

However, they were held to a goalless draw against Brighton shortly before the international break.

When asked about the Gunners’ start, Henry said (via The Sun): “I don’t know if things are going in the right direction. I watched the Brighton game. Did you watch it?

“I’ve seen us beating Norwich before, winning at Burnley, beating Tottenham at home – because we always beat Tottenham at home.

“I was more than happy when we beat Tottenham as we were on a good run but I was waiting to see a performance, away from home, against a team that passes the ball. And, instead, we suffered.”

Henry then admitted that his favoured team had been essentially outplayed by Brighton. “I was waiting to see the Brighton game, to see if we could have the ball and keep the ball, away from home, retaining possession, against a dangerous Brighton side,” he added.

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“When we used to lose, even after I left the team, it was always said that ‘Arsenal don’t have a Plan B’ and that they passed too much for the sake of passing.

“But I didn’t see that from Arsenal in the Brighton match. I saw Brighton do that.”

The Frenchman then looked ahead to the huge clash against Manchester United on November 30.

“United have been better than us but you never know what can happen,” Henry said. “It took us 14 years to win there again last season but even in my time it was difficult to win there.

“United now have, in [Cristiano] Ronaldo, someone who can turn their problems into solutions and they have a good squad.”


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Thomas Frank is one man who could replace Arteta in the Arsenal dug-out. The Dane has steered Brentford back into the top flight for the time in over 70 years.

His team look fairly comfortable in the division, having picked up 12 points from seven matches so far.

Frank was first linked with the Arsenal job in September. When asked about the rumours this week, he said: “I think I read that at some point. It’s very nice, but one thing is rumours, and the other is if they really wanted to contact me. Then we have to take it from there.”

Frank also pledged his allegiance to the Bees. “I have a contact until 2023, I’m insanely happy at Brentford,” he added. “A club that means a lot to me and where I have had great times. I enjoy working with our director of football, owners, players, staff and fans.”

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