Thierry Henry has openly challenged Mikel Arteta’s record at Arsenal, insisting the manager “should be doing better” given the resources and talent at his disposal.
The Arsenal icon pointed out that while Arteta has elevated the club back to Europe’s elite since taking over in December 2019, the lack of major silverware is becoming a glaring issue. Aside from the 2020 FA Cup and two Community Shields, the club has fallen short in every major competition—finishing second in the Premier League multiple times and failing to make a mark in Europe.
Henry believes fans are justified in questioning Arteta’s effectiveness, stating:
“Three years of being second-best and five without a real trophy? That’s not good enough for Arsenal.”
While Arteta has received praise for rebuilding team morale and implementing a clearer tactical identity, Henry and many supporters are now demanding that progress translates into tangible success.
Thierry Henry didn’t hold back in his latest remarks about Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, pointing to their growing reputation as “nearlymen” and drawing a sharp comparison with Manchester United.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Henry remarked:
“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.”
The pressure on Arteta has intensified, particularly after Paul Merson warned the Spaniard could face the sack by Christmas if Arsenal aren’t firmly in the title race.
Henry’s comparison with Manchester United was especially pointed—highlighting that, despite their own struggles, United have still managed to reach and win finals:
“Look at Manchester United. Even when things aren’t going well, they’re still finding ways to win silverware. That’s what big clubs do.”
Henry’s comments reflect a growing sense among fans and pundits alike: progress under Arteta must now be measured by trophies, not just improvement.
Thierry Henry acknowledged the positive transformation under Mikel Arteta but stressed that results, particularly in finals and trophies, must now match the progress.
“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 you want to.”
He continued:
“It takes time and you have to give a manager time to be able to implement what he wants to do. 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.”
Henry drew a stark comparison with Manchester United:
“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.”
He concluded by sympathizing with fans asking tough questions:
“So, I do understand when people ask the question, ‘Surely you should compete for a trophy?’”
While Henry acknowledged the state of the club when Arteta arrived — out of the top four and lacking identity — he made it clear that time for rebuilding has passed. Now, tangible success is the new benchmark.#newsafro_
