Thierry Henry holds the belief that Arsenal’s goal-scoring issues do not necessitate signing a striker, as he expresses optimism about his former club’s chances in the Champions League.
Arsenal is gearing up for their return to European competition next week as they head to Porto for their first Champions League knockout fixture in seven years.
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While contenders like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are also in the mix, the Gunners find themselves among the favorites. However, they must navigate the Champions League alongside the Premier League title race.
Currently positioned third in the table, trailing Liverpool by two points and on par with City, albeit having played one more game than the latter, Arsenal faced scrutiny in December regarding their offensive capabilities.
Despite suggestions that Mikel Arteta’s squad requires a prolific striker to contend for major honors, with players like Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen linked to potential big-money moves to the Emirates in the summer, Henry, Arsenal’s leading goal scorer of all time, disagrees.
He points to Arsenal’s recent dominant victory over West Ham as evidence supporting his stance.
‘There was a massive discussion about does Arsenal need a No.9. What they needed to do was put the ball in the back of the net and when Arsenal put the ball in the back of the net it’s 6-0,’ he told CBS.
‘In every game it could have been the same. In the [FA] cup against Liverpool they didn’t do it. They did it – with a little help from Liverpool – in the league.
‘When Arsenal are on point and put the ball in the back of the net, it doesn’t matter who plays. [Leandro] Trossard can score, Declan Rice has been scoring, Gabriel has been scoring, so it doesn’t really matter.
‘Yes, the front three weren’t scoring a lot but it was about putting the ball in the back of the net, and when we do we’re tough to beat.’
Arsenal’s recent scoring spree, accumulating 16 goals in their last four matches, has propelled their goal count to just behind City and Liverpool’s totals. Bukayo Saka’s two goals against West Ham have also pushed him into double digits for the season.
Regarding their aspirations in the Champions League, Henry remains optimistic about Arsenal’s chances. However, the outcome will hinge significantly on the opponents they draw in the upcoming fixtures, he added: ‘It will be a tough game against Porto away. I do think we pass that test. We can beat them at home.
‘If we turn our opportunities into goals, we’re going to be a very difficult team to beat. For me, it wasn’t down to not having a nine scoring.
‘Having said that, the draw is going to be tough. Porto will be tough, and then if you go through, you can play Man City or Real Madrid…
‘How are you going to deal with that if you’re still competing in that league to win it. Those are the questions the team are going to have to answer.’
