Archive for April 18th, 2008

Henry has flopped for two seasons running

Add comment April 18th, 2008

Thierry Henry’s move to Barcelona, thus far, has been a disaster. Playing out-of-position on the left flank, he has looked a shadow of his former self. That’s not to say the situation won’t change – I’d be absolutely delighted to see him burst back into life with a few goals against Manchester United next week. But thus far, I think even Henry would have to admit he’s been a £16.1m flop.

That wouldn’t be such a worry for Henry if he could claim that’s been part of an ongoing adaptation to his new club. But with the revelation that his final year at Arsenal cost the club at least £10m, one has to say that it’s now two years in a row that the Frenchman has failed to make the vast amount of money spent on him seem worth it.

Perhaps he will return to his former glories. Or perhaps he’ll change his playing style to suit his wearying body. I remember when Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs turned 30 they went through a few seasons of poor form before adapting to their reduced physical potential. An intelligent player will find a way to deal with losing that yard of pace. I always felt Henry would be able to do that too – perhaps he just needs time. I, for one, certainly hope so: whilst his struggles in Cataluña vindicate Arsene’s decision to sell, I would still get a thrill from seeing Henry doing what he does best, be that at Barcelona or anywhere else.

So, I’m back from Glasgow, and a trip to the Old Firm derby.  What an incredibly atmosphere that game produces.  The tension is so high that fights between supporters of the same side break out regularly.  It would be easy to say, “I wish we could have that kind of atmosphere at Arsenal”, but when one considers all the negative aspects of that rivalry, I think I’ll stick with what we’ve got thanks.  What a goal by Shunsuka Nakamura though, and what a save this is.

It’s Reading at home tomorrow, and the early team news is that Almunia requires a fitness test, Justin Hoyte is out, but Denilson (remember him?) is available after a hamstring problem.

A morale boosting win is absolutely essential.


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