Thierry Henry–Arsenal legend, goal-scoring machine, and a man whose name still brings a glimmer of excitement to Arsenal fans all around the world. Though it’s been 20 years since Henry wore the red and white kit, his influence on the club still remains. It’s just as effective today as it was during his reign of terror on Premier League defenders.
Henry was more than just a great player–he was the embodiment of Arsenal’s offensive style of football. During his time, Arsene Wenger had transformed Arsenal into a high-flying, attack-oriented team, and Henry was the perfect focal point for this philosophy. He had lethal pace, clinical finishing, and silky dribbling which set the tone for how modern-day Arsenal likes to play, even if they haven’t always been able to replicate his style. Still, many bettors without a doubt placed bets for Arsenal’s victory. They seemed to be everyone’s favourite. You can also take advantage of both teams to score tips which turned out to be an exciting and profitable opportunity to place wagers. Every match across the world is in the play, not just Arsenal. But, as you already know, due to Henry’s play that somehow got integrated into their DNA long after his departure, they seemed to be an all time winner.
What was Arsenal’s play like during the early 2000s? Their style was fluid, attacking, and relentless–exactly the kind of football Henry loved to play. Their system was built around pacey wingers, intelligent midfielders who could thread needle-like passes, and a striker (often Henry) who could not only score goals but also create space for others. Every time Henry played at the wing or made a darting run through the centre, it felt like something special was about to happen. More often than not, it did.
When Henry left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, that was the end of an era. But the club didn’t throw away the playbook. No, that would have been sacrilege. The offensive blueprint remained in place. It’s just that players trying to implement it weren’t named Thierry Henry. And as anyone who’s tried to cook a fancy dish after watching Gordon Ramsay knows, the recipe doesn’t always work out the same when someone else tries to follow it.
Still, Arsenal’s commitment to attacking football continued, and that’s mostly because Henry had set a precedent. The team knew what it felt like to have an offensive powerhouse leading the line, and they never stopped chasing that ideal. There was Robin van Persie and his heroics a few years later, and more recently Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Arsenal is consistent in looking for strikers who can replicate even a fraction of what Henry brought to the game. While no one has completely filled those shoes, the philosophy remains: attack, create, and score.
Though Arsenal has experienced ups and downs since Henry’s departure, the offensive mindset he helped shape remains as a part of the club’s identity. Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal still values attacking football. It’s not uncommon for the team to focus on pacey wingers, sharp ball movement, and a forward-thinking approach. All these elements were staples during Henry’s time.
One clear aspect of Henry’s legacy is the emphasis on creative freedom in the final third. Henry was not just a poacher. He could pick the ball up near the halfway line, dribble past three defenders, and then curl the ball into the top corner as if it were the easiest thing in the world. His ability to create something out of nothing has become a kind of unofficial standard for any forward Arsenal signs.
Even after he left, players like Alexis Sánchez, Mesut Özil, and Bukayo Saka have tried that tactic. For instance, Saka is a player who thrives when given space to create. He plays in a different position than Henry, but the way he plays with a creative energy feels like a nod toward former colleague. Also, Gabriel Jesus, who is Arsenal’s current forward, has a flair for creating opportunities.
One area where Henry’s influence is crystal clear is in Arsenal’s knack for scoring goals. Although Arsenal has gone through periods of drought, especially compared to their dominance in the early 2000s, the desire to outscore opponents hasn’t faded. You’ll notice that in recent seasons Arsenal has frequently been among the top-scoring teams in the Premier League. The attack-minded philosophy never left them.
When Arsenal plays at their best, it feels like a throwback to the days of Henry. Fast transitions, sharp passing, and a healthy dose of flair in the final third–these are the hallmarks of a classic Arsenal performance, the same hallmarks that made Henry’s game.
Arsenal still creates nice chances. Players like Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard provide the creative spark, while forwards like Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus get on the end of it. The execution may not always be as ruthless as Henry’s, but the intent is there.
