Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has cautioned manager Mikel Arteta that failure to secure silverware this season will inevitably lead to difficult conversations with the club’s hierarchy. The Gunners are currently fighting on two fronts, chasing both the Premier League title and Champions League glory.
As things stand, Arteta’s men sit three points clear at the summit of the Premier League, although Manchester City have a game in hand that could close the gap. Arsenal also have a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, where a place in the final is at stake.
The north London side’s last taste of a major trophy came in 2020, when they defeated Chelsea in the FA Cup final under Arteta. Since then, despite significant investment and improved performances, the trophy cabinet has remained bare.
Speaking on CBS Sports, Henry did not mince his words. He stated that after several years of heavy spending and building what many consider the strongest squad in the league, the manager must deliver. ‘The board is going to have to decide what they are going to do with Mikel Arteta,’ Henry said. ‘At some point, after all these years and the money spent to have two strong teams, everyone has said Arsenal have the best squad this season. Eventually, you will have to answer questions if you don’t win. It’s only natural after such a long period.’
Henry added that while fans support the direction the club is heading, if the end product is missing, Arteta will have to face the music. ‘It’s all good and we’re all backing Arteta as Arsenal supporters, but if it doesn’t happen, like I’ve always said, you’re going to have to answer some questions that the board will ask you.’