Thierry Henry launched a passionate defence of Mikel Arteta’s methods with Arsenal on the brink of glory (Picture: Sky Sports)
Arsenal might remain in contention to win an unprecedented quadruple this season, but Thierry Henry insists there is one trophy above all others that Mikel Arteta should be targeting.
The Gunners extended their advantage at the top of the Premier League table over the course of a dramatic Saturday evening when Max Dowman’s late, matchwinning cameo against Everton represented the precursor to Manchester City dropping two points at West Ham.
Following that high, Arsenal resume their Champions League campaign against Bayer Leverkusen this evening and will hope to make home advantage count with their last 16 tie evenly poised after a 1-1 first leg draw in Germany.
Assuming they progress, the north London club will then head to Wembley on Sunday in buoyant mood and look to end a six-year trophy drought by beating City and claim the first major prize of the season in the shape of the Carabao Cup.
Getting the silverware monkey off their backs could well provide a shot in the arm ahead of what is likely to be a grueling run-in which could also yield an FA Cup with Southampton next up in the quarter-finals.
For Henry, however, clinching a first Premier League title in 22 years should be seen as the priority, even above what would be an historic maiden Champions League crown.
The club’s all-time record goalscorer spearheaded the Invincibles whose swashbuckling style was heralded on the way to completing the 2003/04 season undefeated.
Your football fix
Metro's Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week's biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Sign up here, it's an open goal.
Arsenal FC 'Iconic' Archive
Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League since Thierry Henry’s Invincibles in 2004 (Picture: Getty)
Which trophy is most important for Arsenal this season?
Premier League
Champions League
FA Cup
Carabao Cup
Sign up to In The Mixer, your guide to the week in football. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk – sign up, it’s an open goal.
Arteta’s current Arsenal squad have gone about their business in a more workmanlike fashion and their reliance on set-pieces has been criticised.
Winning, at any cost, especially given the wait and amount of money spent on arming Arteta with a squad capable of challenging, though is all that counts for Henry.
He told Sky Sports: ‘That’s the only asterisk he’s going to get if he wins the quadruple.
‘But I’m not there because we went from everything that went before to everyone saying we can (win everything). No.
‘For me it’s winning the league. I know we have a game at the weekend and a final is a final. But if we win the league it’s a massive statement to what we can do after.
‘Keep that core and build on it. Again, I went a bit too far with that one. Just win the league if you can.
Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Viktor Gyokeres broke the deadlock for Arsenal with a late goal against Everton (Picture: Getty)
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Dael/Shutterstock (16757237aw) Max Dowman of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal (2-0) Arsenal v Everton, Premier League, Football, Emirates Stadium, London, UK - 14 Mar 2026
Max Dowman inspired Arsenal to a 2-0 win over Everton (Credits: Simon Dael/Shutterstock)
‘I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as people think but that’s my natural way. If there are still points on the board, obviously someone can catch you.
‘Even my self did I doubt it at one point that we could win with Mikel. Yes, I did because the results were making me feel I don’t know if we can, if we could.
‘He did find a way. He had to learn on the job. Do you know how tough it is to arrive after someone like Emery, Arsene Wenger, after me talking about whoever.
‘He found a way, serious about everything, all the details.’
MORE: Wayne Rooney makes bold Manchester United prediction after Aston Villa win
MORE: Gary Lineker urges Mikel Arteta to drop Arsenal star in Champions League
MORE: ‘He has everything’ – Moises Caicedo says ‘underrated’ Chelsea star is ‘one of the best’
Football Newsletter – In The Mixer
Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.