Thierry Henry Critiques Arsenal's Underachievement Under Mikel Arteta Over Last Three Years

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Thierry Henry has expressed his view that Arsenal have not met expectations under Mikel Arteta over the past three years, as they have not secured any major trophies. Despite being consistent title contenders, Arsenal have finished second in the league for three consecutive seasons. In the 2024-25 season, they ended up 10 points behind champions Liverpool, who clinched the title with four games left.

The last time Arsenal lifted a trophy was in 2020 when they won the FA Cup during Arteta's debut season as manager. Since then, they have gone five seasons without winning a significant title. This year, Arsenal were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round by Manchester United on penalties and fell short in both the EFL Cup and Champions League semi-finals against Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively.

Despite reaching their best European performance since 2009, Arsenal failed to make it to their second Champions League final, having previously reached it in 2006. Henry, who played for Arsenal from 1999 to 2007, believes that the team should have achieved more under Arteta's leadership. "I'm not saying that I'm disappointed with Arsenal," Henry stated on the Stick to Football podcast.

Henry highlighted Manchester United's contrasting achievements despite their struggles in the league. United finished 15th in the Premier League during the 2024-25 season but have reached five major finals in five years, winning two trophies. "Manchester United have played in five finals in the last five years," Henry noted.

Arsenal concluded this season with 74 points, marking their lowest tally since accumulating 69 points in the 2021-22 campaign. Over the past three seasons, they have averaged 82 points per season. However, Henry pointed out that people are questioning why Arsenal haven't competed for more trophies given their progress under Arteta.

The Need for Patience

Henry acknowledged that building a successful team takes time and patience. He explained that managers need at least three or four transfer windows to shape their squad according to their vision. "It takes time," he said, emphasizing that Arteta needs more time to implement his strategies fully.

Henry understands why fans are questioning Arsenal's lack of silverware despite improvements under Arteta. He believes that after three years of development, Arsenal should have at least reached a final or secured a cup victory.