Henry and Wenger's Tactical Tiff

Filed in archive Champions League on May 17, 2006

image: mtv3.fi

With the 'Henry to Barcelona' rumours refusing to go away, Arsenal fans won't have been encouraged by Henry's visible frustration with Wenger's tactics during the 2-1 Champions League final defeat. With Arsenal a man down and a goal up, Wenger kept four in the back, four in midfield and trusted in Henry to plow a lone furrow up front. The Frenchman wasn't happy though, and could be seen gesticulating to the Arsenal bench, pleading for more support. Wenger refused to oblige his captain.

I can empathise with both men. Henry must have been frustrated, and worked hard to threaten the Barca defence on his own, including plenty of defending from the front (even earning himself a yellow card). From Wenger's point of view, he couldn't afford to push anyone forward, and allow Ronaldinho, Deco et al any more space.

Ultimately, the scoreline may have proved Henry right but his tactical demands smacked of a 'bigger then Arsenal' self-importance. I would have expected a man of Henry's class and character to knuckle down and do what the boss tells him, not demoralise the team with constant complaining.

Ultimately, it was Frank Rijkaard's tactical changes that made all the difference. He brought on Henrik Larsson, and the Swedish veterans two deft, barely noticeable touches provided two very noticeable goals for Eto'o and Belletti.