Arsenal head into one of their biggest Premier League tests this weekend when they face Manchester City at the Emirates.
The Gunners have started the season strongly, but club legend Thierry Henry has offered a reminder of what it really takes to lift the title.
Henry, speaking after Arsenal’s Champions League win over Athletic Club, was full of praise for the squad depth Mikel Arteta now has at his disposal.
He pointed out that even without Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the team looked equipped to compete on every front.
Yet, his message came with a warning: Arsenal cannot settle for draws in games like this.
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What Thierry Henry said?
Henry did not hold back when asked about Arsenal’s approach in recent big matches.
He said: “If you want to win the league, you have to go and get it. Not playing not to lose games. If you want to beat Liverpool or Man City, you’ve got to go and get it, you cannot enter a game with, ‘let’s not lose it’.”
He recalled last season’s costly home defeat to Aston Villa, suggesting that Arteta’s decision to go defensive late in games has hurt Arsenal before. “At that moment he thought about not losing the game, we ended up losing,” Henry added.
For Henry, who battled Manchester United for trophies during his own playing days, the message is clear — Arsenal must approach City with ambition, not caution.
“This year, no excuses”
Henry believes the time has come for Arsenal to deliver silverware. “It’s a must this year to win something. You have the squad now, you have everything you need to perform. As a player I’m going for the title, first.”
The Frenchman admitted Liverpool remain strong contenders and City will always be dangerous, but said Arsenal have the depth to outlast both rivals if they stay brave in the biggest games.
Arsenal have beaten City at home in their last two meetings, and the Emirates will be bouncing on Sunday. The question is whether Arteta’s men will take Henry’s advice and push for victory, rather than settling for safety.
Arsenal vs. Ma City: Head to Head
| Competition/Category | Total | Arsenal Wins | Man City Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 63 | 27 | 25 | 11 |
| Total Score | 184 | 91 | 93 | - |
| Emirates Stadium | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 |
| Etihad Stadium | 33 | 12 | 16 | 5 |
| FA Community Shield | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Premier League | 50 | 21 | 19 | 10 |
| International CF | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Note* The stats are since the Premier League era.
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