Cast your minds back to the 25th of June as Thierry Henry completes his £16.1 million move to Barcelona. Arsenal had finished forth in the previous season and along with others, I felt unsure Arsene had made the right decision.
Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United and the newspapers all had much the same thing to say; that Arsenal were in decline and such a sale proved that the club was unable to complete the next step of becoming a world force. However, despite a hat-trick for Barcelona this weekend, Arsenal are and will not miss the great striker.
Now, four months on, Arsenal sit at the top of league, nurturing a crop of young players who have come out of Henry's shadow. unbeaten in all competitions, the team and manager have a quiet togetherness and confidence which smells of success. The seeming vast, void has been quickly swallowed up by a group of hungry players, desperate to take there chance now the king has left the table.
How many times did we see Henry, hands on hips staring at a young Walcott or Fabregas for not making the perfect pass? Even if his physical gestures were subtle, his emotional presence was enormous and it was felt in and out of the dressing room.
The young scholars have now stopped the whispering and have been afforded the playtime they craved. Goals of the highest quality are being scored by a range of players, most notably from the much improved Adybayor, clearly enjoying his new found status. The team is playing a fluid more incisive style of football which so far, is proving efficient and exciting. In the past, during games such as the one at the weekend, players would look for Henry to provide something special and score the winner. Yet, now released from a previous hierarchy, the youngsters realise they are capable of doing that themselves, playing in a team of equals.
The suggestion that Henry has been forgotten is nonsense and his position at the club is without question, legendary. However Arsenal Football Club has grown in all areas without him. This latest generation has time to improve and will develop as a team based on players rather than a player.
As the season progresses, time will ultimately prove to be the acid test in the sale of Henry.Yet in the summer nobody felt Arsenal could win the league without their vital catalyst.
Four months is a long time in football and Chelsea, Spurs and Manchester United are all now eating their words. With Chelsea struggling without the not so special one and Spurs in the relegation zone celebrating a home draw as if they had won the league.
This season is now poised for Arsenal to once again show it is great football rather than a great footballer that wins you games.
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about 1 year ago
Great work up to that final point. Players win you games not excellent football..that has been proved time after time. Henry won many a game for Arsenal and Gooners should never forget that. Having said that Arsenal couldn't look in greater shape with out him.
from about 1 year ago
The suggestion that Henry has been forgotten is nonsense and his position at the club is without question, legendary.
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