Trophy over style: Henry backs Arsenal's pragmatic approach

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has defended the team's current playing style, asserting that securing the club's first Premier League title in 22 years is the ultimate priority. He respects Mikel Arteta's success in finding a winning formula for the Gunners, who currently lead the league by nine points.

The team's style has drawn criticism, largely due to a significant reliance on set-pieces, which account for over a third of their goals. This pragmatic approach contrasts with the more aesthetically pleasing football praised in previous seasons, despite a substantial transfer spend focused on attacking players.

Henry referenced Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side, which was also criticized for its pragmatic style but achieved significant success. He highlighted how Arteta has evolved the team's philosophy, moving from an initial style influenced by Pep Guardiola to a more "Mourinho-esque" approach, characterized by power and strength.

Jamie Carragher noted Arteta's significant philosophical shift, comparing it to managerial greats Mourinho and Guardiola. He observed that Arsenal's recruitment has increasingly focused on physical attributes since a pivotal loss to Manchester City in a previous title race.