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20-07-2007, 17:36
Robson - Why Arsenal can blossom without Henry
By Chris Harris
Stewart Robson expects Arsenal to thrive in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure.
The French striker's move to Barcelona has been seized upon by critics who claim that Arsène Wenger's side will struggle in the title race this season. But the Arsenal TV analyst disagrees.
Far from being a retrograde step, Robson believes Henry's absence can rejuvenate Arsenal's young squad and help them grow as a team.
"I think it's the next step for this team," Robson told Arsenal.com. "If you watched Arsenal for the last two years I think you will have seen that Thierry Henry has not been the player he was three or four years ago.
"I think we're losing the Henry from last season. He's still an excellent player but in my opinion he's been on a gradual decline for the last two years and I think Arsenal will move on to the next stage now."
Henry's departure hastened the arrival of a new striker in the shape of Eduardo. The Croatian international has an impressive scoring record for club and country. In Robson's opinion, Eduardo will give Arsenal more variety in attack.
"They can play an all-round game now," he said. "Eduardo is quick, he's good with his back to play. He's going to be a good finisher, his goals to games ratio is fantastic both in Croatia and at international level. He's one player I'm really looking forward to seeing.
"Arsenal have also got Adebayor, so if they get into crossing areas he can get on the end of things. They've got Robin van Persie who can play on the left-hand side and can join in from there. He can make forward runs or play with his back to goal. There are plenty of options for Wenger."
By Chris Harris
Stewart Robson expects Arsenal to thrive in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure.
The French striker's move to Barcelona has been seized upon by critics who claim that Arsène Wenger's side will struggle in the title race this season. But the Arsenal TV analyst disagrees.
Far from being a retrograde step, Robson believes Henry's absence can rejuvenate Arsenal's young squad and help them grow as a team.
"I think it's the next step for this team," Robson told Arsenal.com. "If you watched Arsenal for the last two years I think you will have seen that Thierry Henry has not been the player he was three or four years ago.
"I think we're losing the Henry from last season. He's still an excellent player but in my opinion he's been on a gradual decline for the last two years and I think Arsenal will move on to the next stage now."
Henry's departure hastened the arrival of a new striker in the shape of Eduardo. The Croatian international has an impressive scoring record for club and country. In Robson's opinion, Eduardo will give Arsenal more variety in attack.
"They can play an all-round game now," he said. "Eduardo is quick, he's good with his back to play. He's going to be a good finisher, his goals to games ratio is fantastic both in Croatia and at international level. He's one player I'm really looking forward to seeing.
"Arsenal have also got Adebayor, so if they get into crossing areas he can get on the end of things. They've got Robin van Persie who can play on the left-hand side and can join in from there. He can make forward runs or play with his back to goal. There are plenty of options for Wenger."