Everyone Knows Arsenal Won’t Win the Premier League—Here’s Why Henry Criticized Arteta

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, continues to be one of the top contenders for the Premier League title. The team is currently on a six-match unbeaten streak in the league. However, their recent back-to-back draws against lower-ranked teams, Everton and Fulham, have left Thierry Henry frustrated. The former Arsenal star believes the team is squandering a significant opportunity to challenge for the title.

During his appearance as an analyst on Monday Night Football, Henry described the current Arsenal side as "very predictable." He pointed out that the team’s recent goals have all come from set pieces, with the last three Premier League goals being scored in this manner. Henry contrasted this with the attacking intensity of league leaders Liverpool, highlighting players like Joe Gomez, Darwin Núñez, and Diogo Jota, who all make runs forward. “When you see Saka with the ball, you know he’s going to play it back to Odegaard,” Henry explained. He also criticized Gabriel Martinelli for failing to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, urging him to be more decisive.

Jamie Carragher Joins the Criticism of Martinelli

Alongside Henry on the Monday Night Football panel was Jamie Carragher, who supported the criticism of Martinelli. Carragher stressed that the Brazilian winger needs to perform better to maintain his starting role in the team. "He needs to give more," Carragher stated, emphasizing that while Martinelli might not be a natural goal-scorer, he is still an offensive player expected to contribute more in attacking situations.

Carragher also noted the significant progress made by Arsenal’s other winger, Bukayo Saka, who has transformed into one of the best players in Europe. He pointed out that a few years ago, both Saka and Martinelli were at a similar level, but Saka’s development has far outpaced Martinelli’s. "When I think about teams like Liverpool and Manchester City, the difference is they have world-class forwards, and Arsenal does not," Carragher added.

• Arsenal is currently third in the Premier League, with 30 points, six behind leaders Liverpool.
• Thierry Henry criticized Arsenal for being too predictable and relying too much on set-piece goals.
• Henry also questioned Gabriel Martinelli’s contribution and urged him to be more assertive in one-on-one situations.
• Jamie Carragher supported Henry’s views on Martinelli and noted the winger needs to do more to secure his place in the starting lineup.
• Carragher compared Arsenal’s attack to that of Liverpool and Manchester City, highlighting the difference in quality up front.