Thierry Henry told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports that Arsenal ‘don’t believe they can win’ when he watches them during the first half of games.
The Highbury legend shared that he sees progress in this Arsenal side and Mikel Arteta has a ‘very good squad’ at his disposal.
It has been a tough old road for Arteta even since he took the reins over 12 months ago, but it’s what he would have expected given the size of the club and the expectations that come with it.
And whilst Arteta has been pretty close to heading towards the exit door this season, Henry thinks progression is now being made.
“I would say yes (in Arsenal making progress),” said Henry. “I think Mikel bought himself some time by winning the FA Cup. I know people will tell me ‘that’s last year’.
“Now, what I think the team is lacking is consistency. I know it’s a big word but this is what they need to do. I sometimes put it down to their games.
“Sometimes I watch the first half of Arsenal and it seems like they don’t believe they can win.
“Then when they are in a situation when they need to come back and have a go, it looks like why didn’t you start like that. I can see progress – I think Mikel has a very good squad.”
Well, winning the North London derby certainly would have done Arteta’s reputation no harm.
And if they progress through to the next round of the Europa League on Thursday then it’s another tick in the box for Arteta.
Whilst Arsenal were woeful for large parts of the season, leaving their best form till last might just see them make a late surge for those European places.
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