Since You’ve Been Gone

So here we are, heading toward the end of September, with the Gunners atop the league table. Commenters are mixed in their anticipation of how long-or if-it will all last of course. But it’s admittedly nice for the club, who many picked would be displaced from the top four this season by Spurs (giggle).

The main question heading into this season, was how would this young Arsenal squad would respond to the departure of the talismanic Thierry Henry. The Frenchman had scored 226 goals in his time in Norf London, and many were understandably anxious about where the goals might come from. The answer turned out to be, “Several sources, including a ton from midfield so far.”

But this question remains: Are Arsenal better off without Henry?

Arsene Wenger knew it was a gamble to let Henry essentially walk away. Thus far, Henry is a bench player with Barcelona, with a nary a goal to show for his troubles.

But Henry has admitted that he agrees with Cesc Fabregas: Arsenal are better off without Henry this season.

“Recently I read Cesc Fabregas’ comments – he is right. Now Arsenal play more as a team. That means the whole team has improved their level.”

This is the ol’ addition-by-subtraction approach to improving a team. Which is not to denigrate Henry. It’s just that his legendary presence may have weighed too heavily on the club last year. And of course I wish him luck at Barca.

But let’s be clear: Arsene still knows.

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Category: Transfer News and Player Movement