14 February 2024 , 09:00
578
0
Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry is worried the Gunners' failure to convert chances could end up being their downfall this season, but isn't convinced a new number nine is the solution.
Arsenal's two recognised central strikers, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, have just 14 goals between them in all competitions this term. Mikel Arteta's side got on just fine without the pair on Sunday, though, putting six goals past West Ham with Leandro Trossard starting through the middle.
That victory at the London Stadium ensured Arsenal remain in touch with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. They also have 53 goals, just three short of top scorers City.
Arteta's team will face multiple big tests if they are to claim European glory this term, with Porto awaiting in the round of 16. With a title challenge alongside the Champions League campaign, Henry remains concerned about his former club's finishing, but recognises they have been able to deliver at some key moments.
"I just think that... there was a massive discussion about 'does Arsenal need a number nine?'. What they needed to do is put the ball in the back of the net," Henry said on CBS Sports Golazo.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
"When Arsenal does put the ball in the back of the net it's 6-0. In every game it could have been the same - in the cup against Liverpool they didn't do it, they did it with a bit of help in the league from Liverpool - but when Arsenal are on point and put the ball in the back of the net, it doesn't matter who plays.
"Trossard will score, Declan Rice has been scoring, Gabriel has been scoring, so it doesn't really matter. If we turn our opportunities into goals, we are going to be - I think - a very difficult team to beat."
Will Arsenal's chance conversion let them down this season? Have your say in the comments section
Arsenal scored six unanswered goals against West Ham on Sundat (AFP via Getty Images)Arsenal's win on Sunday was their fourth on the spin in the Premier League, but that run has come without European distractions. The first leg against Porto comes either side of league games against Burnley and Newcastle, while the second leg in March is flanked by London derbies against Brentford and Chelsea.
"Having said that, the draw is going to be tough," Henry continued. "Obviously Porto [next] then after that you can meet a team from your country, then it depends on the path... it's a massive if, because Porto will be tough, [but you can] play Man City, you have to beat maybe a Madrid if they go through.
"How are you going to deal with that if you're still competing also in the league to win it. Those are the questions that we're going to have to answer, or the team has to answer, but for me it wasn't down to not having the nine scoring - yes the front three wasn't scoring..., but it was about putting the ball in the back of the net and when we do we are hard to beat."
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our