A gooner’s take on the Henry vs Giroud fued

What started off as a bit of harmless punditry quickly turned into a bit of a back and forth feud between Arsenal players of past and present. Arsenal legend and all time leading goal scorer Thierry Henry stated his opinion that Arsenal could not win the title with Giroud leading the line.

Giroud took offence took offence to Henry’s comments, seemingly brushing them aside and was quoted in The Mirror as saying, “I heard he was saying too many dull things.”

Henry has now responded again, standing by his opinion, but moving to clarify his stance. Speaking to Sky Sports, he had this to say:

“Giroud needs help, I said what I said and people took it a bit the wrong way, but when we were winning the title, people were doing jobs when I need rest, Dennis Bergkamp, Sylvain Wiltord come in and score a hat-trick, a goal at the end of the game, they were not always starters.”

“I think they need another striker, but more with other characteristics to Giroud. I’m not saying to the guys leave, compete (instead). The last 10 years you don’t finish in the top two, something has to be done.”

Social media has now of course had a field day, and while I wouldn’t go as far as to hire a referee for these two, I would say this has the potential to implode. From a gooner’s perspective, not many would refute Henry’s claims. Arsenal’s attacking corps is indeed a far cry from the days of Henry and Bergkamp and co, and another option is certainly needed.

The likes of Cavani and Benzema and Martinez have been linked this summer as well as Higuain last summer, so there is evidence Wenger may agree with these sentiments as well. For me the problem arose from the manner in which Henry articulated his statements, almost disparaging Giroud and discrediting the season he has had.

While a modern day footballer must learn to develop tough skin, I would imagine that that kind of criticism from your club’s biggest icon may sting a bit more than normal.

However, if Giroud wishes to make his point, he should do so on the pitch. Consistency is his biggest problem for me, and if he had continued his phenomenal purple patch, Henry’s comments would be off base. One thing is clear though, these two men care a great deal about Arsenal and that can only be a good thing.

Perhaps Henry will take a role as a striker’s coach, and the two will join forces again. Wishful thinking?