THIERRY HENRY has hit out at trophyless Arsenal by comparing them to “the Man Utd that everyone laughs at”.
The French striker’s former team finished second in the Premier League for the third season in a row, this time losing out on the title to Liverpool, while the two years prior were against Manchester City.
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The Gunners have once again become regular title challengers under Mikel Arteta in the league, while they are also now making deep runs into the latter stages of the Champions League.
However, Arsenal‘s lack of silverware, domestic or European, under Arteta has led to some criticising the Spanish manager’s time in charge with no tangible success.
Indeed, with Tottenham winning the Europa League after 17 years without a trophy, Arsenal now hold the record for the longest run without a trophy among the “Big Six”.
Their last silverware – or final appearance – came in Arteta’s first season in charge when he led the club to FA Cup success after taking over from Unai Emery in the 2019/20 season.
In that time, Manchester United have struggled for consistency in the league but have been to five finals – two Europa Leagues, two FA Cups and the League Cup – and have won two trophies.
And Gunners icon Henry believes it is right that questions are being asked about the club’s lack of success under Arteta after a huge outlay of money on transfers.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Henry said: “I understand that at the very beginning [for Mikel Arteta] you arrive and it’s not your team, you need at the very least three or four transfer windows to change everything that you want to.
“It takes time and you have to give a manager time to be able to implement what he wants to do.
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“Now, for the last three years Arsenal have been in a situation where they should have at least brought one cup in or a final.
“Manchester United have played in five finals in the last five years, the United that everyone laughs at, whereas for Arsenal in the last three years of building, they’ve not reached a final.
“So, I do understand when people ask the question, ‘Surely you should compete for a trophy?’
“I’m not saying that I’m disappointed with Arsenal, but it’s normal that people are raising questions now about what the team is doing.”
Addressing fans at the Emirates after their final home game of the season – a 1-0 win over Newcastle – Arteta urged fans to continue backing the team so they could make their trophy dream a reality.
He said: “We had a dream. It was to be here today or in a week’s time and bring big trophies to you guys. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to do it for many circumstances.
“But make sure that chasing a dream doesn’t get blurry and you don’t see what these players, this staff and this football club is doing. And make sure that you chase the dream with enthusiasm and positivity next season.
“What I have said before, is we have to start creating our own history here in this stadium. We certainly have started this season. There is much more to come. We have to do it all together. It is not going to be easy.
“But this group of players, I am telling you, they have the hunger, they have the quality, they have the talent and we are coming again. We need to reset first…
“But before we do that – please – because I know what these players have been through, this staff, this season.
“Any other club in this position would finish in a position that you cannot even dream of, so please say thank you to the players, say thank you to the staff and thank you to all of you for your support.”
Arsenal have been urged to recruit a top forward or two to finally see them win the Premier League after more than two decades.
Reports suggest the Gunners have launched a formal offer of around £62million to land Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres.
Other forwards linked to a move to the red half of north London include Benjamin Sesko, Julian Alvarez and Rodrygo.
