“He can give three people tap-ins if he goes inside” - Thierry Henry highlights problem with Arsenal star

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has criticized Gabriel Martinelli amidst the Gunners' struggles in attack this season. He said that the side are predictable because the Brazilian winger doesn't offer them enough in attack, which leads to dependence on Bukayo Saka.

Mikel Arteta's side are gearing up for another Premier League title challenge after finishing second in the last two seasons. However, they appear to have faltered a bit this season and haven't looked as dominant as in previous years. They have failed to score an open-play goal in the last three league games. They are fifth among the top goalscoring teams in the league this season.

Many pundits and fans have criticized Arsenal's playing style and dependence on Bukayo Saka and set pieces. Club legend Thierry Henry also shared his thoughts on this on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

“They’re very predictable. It is outstanding to score from set-pieces," Henry said. "The last three goals in the league are from set-pieces. When you see Liverpool going forward you see [Joe] Gomez, [Darwin] Nunez, [Diogo] Jota running. But with Saka you know he’s going to play to [Martin] Odegaard.

“When you are in trouble at Arsenal the ball goes to Saka. Arsenal do create but it’s the choices they take. Martinelli knows he can give three people tap-ins if he goes inside but he goes outside.

"When you watch Arsenal you think the only way they look like scoring is a set-piece – we didn’t create a lot against Man United [when two goals from corners earned a 2-0 win]. There’s not a coaching problem. No-one jumps at Arsenal anymore but if you don’t have bodies in between the lines to create decoys it’s going to be difficult if you give your ball to the winger on the right or the left," Henry added.

The Gunners are third in the league standings after 16 games, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

---

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry explains how his former side can win the Premier League

Thierry Henry spent eight seasons with the Gunners between 1999 and 2007 and also returned for six months in 2012. He won two Premier League titles with them, including the 'Invincibles' title in the 2003-04 season, among other trophies. On his appearance on Monday Night Football, the Frenchman also explained how Arsenal can win the title.

“A lot of things need to change in order to win the Premier League," Henry said. "When I see Liverpool play it looks like they’re trying to win it and others look like they’re trying not to lose it. If you’re going to win the league you need to grab it and win it. You have to find a solution.

“In my team they helped on the other side (right). Everyone need to score and be important. Freddie [Ljungberg] used to make that run in between lines and score. If you want to be champions, people adapt to what you do. What are you going to bring year on year?" he added.

The north London side have drawn their last two games in the Premier League against Fulham and Everton. They will next face Crystal Palace at home in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, December 18.