Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has openly commented on the challenges Mikel Arteta faces as the club’s head coach, focusing on the lack of trophies during his tenure.

Henry believes fans have valid concerns about the team’s progress, especially after three seasons of falling short and five years without a significant cup victory.

Since Arteta took over as Arsenal’s manager in December 2019, the team has only secured one major trophy — the FA Cup in his debut season — along with two Community Shield wins.

Henry, while analyzing the club’s performance, drew a comparison with Manchester United. He noted that United, often criticized for underperformance, have managed to reach five finals in the last five years, while Arsenal has struggled to do the same.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Henry shared his perspective:
“I’m not saying I’m disappointed with Arsenal, but it’s normal for fans to raise questions about the team’s performance. At the beginning, when Mikel Arteta joined, it wasn’t his team. Building a squad takes time, usually three or four transfer windows to bring in the right players.”

Henry acknowledged the importance of giving managers time to implement their vision but highlighted that Arsenal has had enough time to make an impact:
“For the last three years, Arsenal should have at least reached a final or secured a trophy. It’s understandable that fans are asking why this hasn’t happened.”

Henry also emphasized the difference between Arsenal’s current struggles and Manchester United’s recent achievements:
“People laugh at Manchester United, but they’ve played in five finals in five years. Arsenal, despite three years of rebuilding, hasn’t reached a final. So, it’s fair to ask, ‘Shouldn’t we be competing for trophies by now?'”

Henry concluded that it is natural for fans and analysts to question the team’s progress, given the time and resources invested in the squad under Arteta’s leadership.