Thierry Henry criticizes Arsenal on Sky Sports debut as Gunners secure clinical victory

Henry made an explosive start to his punditry career

Thierry Henry made a fiery start to his football punditry career for Sky Sports, by saying that Arsenal have ‘gone backwards’, over the past few years. However, his comments seemed to have fired up the Gunners as they went onto secure a 0-2 victory at the Etihad.

Henry said that Arsenal are missing a world class holding midfielder to protect Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in defence. He emphasised on the importance of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva from the 2003/04 season and admitted a return of Alex Song from West Ham would help the club immensely.

Henry said, 'Yes, they have gone backwards, it looks like they are a team who looks to finish fourth. When you look at Arsenal they should be trying to win the title. He added, 'I’m sure Arsene, the fans and the board want more. You can be upset at Arsenal losing to Stoke City but it is the way they went after Arsene and the words they used.

'They are not far but they are missing a big piece. They are missing a (Patrick) Vieira and a Gilberto Silva.Those guys would have done anything to allow us to perform well. They protected the back four. Do Arsenal have that now, I don’t think so.'

Post-game

Henry’s comments seemed to have stirred Arsene Wenger’s men into action. He said, 'Arsenal usually play with the ball but they were brilliant. They didn't have the ball for most of the game, but the 32 per cent possession was enough to win the game. He added, 'What a game Cazorla had today. People mention Alexis Sanchez but don't forget Santi Cazorla.