At a Glance:
- Thierry Henry on Arsenal’s problems ahead of Atletico Madrid showdown.
- Henry names Arsenal’s pros as being “solid” and “set-pieces.”
- The World Cup winner called it an “issue.”
Thierry Henry highlighted Arsenal’s two biggest worries heading into their upcoming Champions League semi-final clash against Atletico Madrid.
The Frenchman, who won the competition at Barcelona in 2009 knows what it takes to get over the line in Europe. Arsenal can win the Champions League as they are one of the best teams in the world but simultaneously, their recent run of two wins, two defeats and one draw has exposed their vulnerabilities.
Mikel Arteta’s side seem tense at a time where they have no choice but to come into their own to get over the line in the Premier League and the Champions League.
On CBS Sports, Thierry Henry was asked to mentions his former club’s pros and cons ahead of Wednesday’s much-awaited showdown.
Thierry Henry highlights Arsenal’s fatigue and lack of creativity ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
While Henry initially highlighted Arsenal’s strengths, he was disappointed that they continue to lie in terms of mastering set-pieces and being solid.
“The Arsenal, unfortunately the pros didn’t change too much. Especially after the game against Newcastle. Solid, set-pieces.”
Arsenal’s lack of creativity and the team looking fatigued ahead of their contest against Atletico Madrid are the Gunners’ two biggest issues, according to Thierry Henry.
"Physically and Mentally when you are playing for the title and you have to play in Europe, it's draining."
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 28, 2026
Thierry Henry on the challenges Arsenal will face towards the end of the season 🔴 pic.twitter.com/y2omfQ0XME
“One thing that we did notice was that the team looked a bit fatigued and have been there, you know, physically, mentally, when you play for the title and you have to play in Europe, it’s draining.”
“And we also know the lack of creativity that might be obviously an issue.”
Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal’s creativity is a problem
Thierry Henry makes a fair point, as even in Arsenal’s latest 1-0 win against Newcastle United, they accumulated an inferior xG (Expected Goals) of 0.68 compared to the Magpies’ tally of 1.08.
Arsenal (0.68) 1-0 (1.08) Newcastle
— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) April 25, 2026
Paris Saint-Germain’s blockbuster 5-4 win against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night showcased that at the end of the day, individual brilliance in the final third decides the biggest games.
The good news for Arsenal fans is that Mikel Arteta acknowledged his side must improve their chance creation.
Arteta said via HaytersTV: “Well, we have to do better and at the moment, we can take shots and the quality of shots and it was a great example against Newcastle what can happen.”
“We want to improve in every department. But at the same time, to be where we are sitting here tonight, you have to be exceptional!”
Mikel Arteta concluded: “Or one of the top four teams in Europe to be here so imagine how difficult that is.”
