Thierry Henry didn’t hold back on Viktor Gyokeres for wasting a golden chance in Arsenal’s UCL clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Henry unimpressed with Gyokeres error
Arsenal walked away with a 2-0 victory in their UCL clash against Athletic Bilbao. But, Thierry Henry’s post-match breakdown was all about one wasted moment. The French legend came in on Viktor Gyokeres after the striker missed a great chance to score.
With open space ahead, Gyokeres took two heavy touches that killed the move and allowed Bilbao’s defenders to recover. Henry, clearly frustrated, said there was “no way” the Swede should’ve been caught in that position. The Frenchman has built his career on ruthless finishing and explosive runs. For him, watching Gyokeres stumble at such a key point was always going to sting.
Henry’s comments cut deep, and they showed the difference between being good and being elite. Gyokeres has started life at Arsenal on a promising note, offering power and presence up front. But in Europe, moments like these can be decisive.
The Gunners were fortunate that Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard bailed them out with late goals. But, Henry’s point still stands, chances at that level need to be buried.
Was the France legend too harsh?
Some fans might argue with Henry. Gyokeres is still adapting to the way Arsenal play. So, it’s probably too harsh to think he would be 100% overnight. He is showing some signs of what the Gunners have been lacking.
He takes responsibility on the ball, presses defenders, and creates space for others. However, when you are compared to Henry, the expectations are always going to be through the roof. Henry was a full package when he was on, pace, strength, technique, and a clinical finisher.
Gyokeres has a ways to go to get to that level. That said, one mistake shouldn’t put to waste what he has already accomplished. Still, Henry’s comments wasn’t just nostalgia talking. He knows what separates good strikers from great ones.
Author’s Opinion:
Henry may have been blunt, but he wasn’t wrong. Gyokeres will learn from it. The sooner he tightens up in those big moments, the better Arsenal’s chances of going deep in Europe.
