Thierry Henry has pointed out which Arsenal player he believes is frustrating Mikel Arteta following their 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
Henry thinks Arsenal needs another forward, suggesting that Gabriel Jesus’ limited impact may be frustrating for Arteta.
The draw leaves Arsenal third in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Manchester City, and was achieved despite the absence of key players like the suspended William Saliba and injured captain Martin Odegaard. Arsenal’s defensive options have been severely tested, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and others injured. During the Liverpool game, Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber also picked up injuries.
Speaking on *The Rest is Football*, Henry praised Arteta’s adaptability with his squad, highlighting players like Thomas Partey filling in at right-back and Timber on the left. Henry admired Arsenal’s ability to stay flexible despite missing key players, showing that Arteta can adjust his strategy as needed.
However, Henry expressed concern over Arsenal’s attacking options, particularly Gabriel Jesus, who was signed in 2022 from Manchester City for £45 million. Injuries have hindered Jesus’ form, and he has managed 19 goals and 15 assists in 80 appearances but has yet to record a goal or assist in 11 games this season. In contrast, Kai Havertz has stepped up, scoring six goals and providing an assist in 13 games. With Havertz as the primary option, Jesus has mostly come off the bench, while wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are Arteta’s only other options if Havertz is unavailable.
Henry believes another forward would help relieve pressure on Havertz, providing Arteta with additional attacking options. Jesus will aim to end his goal drought in Arsenal’s upcoming Carabao Cup match against Preston on Wednesday.