By Jonathan Chong on Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Many Arsenal fans have begun to wonder whether Thierry Henry is assuming that he has a right to be on the pitch, even when he is under-performing.

The Arsenal captain, widely recognised as possibly the world's greatest striker, has come under some criticism for his scowling looks at team mates when a potential attack breaks down. Henry's lack of leading by example on the pitch has also caused some concern amongst Gooners.

Some quarters have even asked for Henry to stand down as captain in order to concentrate on putting the ball in the back of the net.

Henry himself has now admitted that he is aware of his lack of goals and contribution to the team play, and promises to work hard to improve his game and return to his high standards.

Henry said: "I have had a mixed season so far, I am not in my best form.

"It is never easy after a World Cup and moreover when you have played a Champions League final.

"It is true, I am not shining so far.

"I had no pre-season preparation, I started straight away and I pay for that now.

"The fans expect more from me, and I expect more too.

"I feel I have disposed of the World Cup on an emotional level, but maybe my body has not disposed of it yet."

User Comments

4

Sunaadh

Posted on 15 Nov, 2006 at 08:21 AM - Reply

Isn't he carrying an Achilles injury as well?

I think he should take time off....

Ade and RvP are beginning to strike form, so we won't miss him as much

3

JL

Posted on 14 Nov, 2006 at 04:10 PM - Reply

Man, sometimes i wonder how i would feel when ive lost both the Champion's league and World Cup Finals with the titles right under my nose. I think it hasnt left Henry at all and i think Arsenal Fans should give the man some time to crack in some crazy goals. Besides he's still adapting to the new 4-5-1 formation he mentioned during the interview..

2

AusGunner

Posted on 14 Nov, 2006 at 08:54 AM - Reply

It is way, way too early in the year to call Henry's captaincy into serious question. I feel it can only be properly evaluated as a whole once the 2006/07 season is over, and though he has not scored too many goals (he's still our top scorer in all competitions though, isn't he?), he's still had a role to play and he's performed it quite well in most games. The CSKA game probably shot his confidence a bit because he really should have scored there and doubt possibly crept in, but hopefully the Liverpool win, where he played well despite not scoring and had some good moves, will boost his confidence a bit. He is a determined individual though and a senior figure in the team so, despite being a striker, he is otherwise completely qualified to be team captain. Wait a bit longer.

1

shango1

Posted on 14 Nov, 2006 at 08:25 AM - Reply

He talks a lot, writes a lot. But frankly he is not deserving of his position in the team at the moment.
A lot of people a quick to credit Henry with anything. He had another bad game against Liverpool. The fact that he tracked back a few times is nothing special. it should be expected, from the captain, oldest outfield player and the highest paid player in the club.
He can learn from younger players like Hleb and Van Persie who put in a lot more work for the team.

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