Wenger Purrs Over Settled Arsenal, But Admits Henry Gamble

Arsenal are the surprise early leaders of the Premiership, having made detractors eat humble pie after an assured start to the season.

Many in and around the game thought the North London outfit would struggle in the absence of star man Thierry Henry, but so far the team looks to have taken collective responsibility and look back to their best.

Wenger agrees that his side have flourished this season, but denies that they play with more freedom without the imposing personality of Henry.


"The dynamic is very good and that is because the team has played together for a while now," he told Arsenal.com.


"We play well and overall we have the same understanding of the game. That is positive but you cannot relate that to the fact that Thierry is not with the team anymore. I expected the team to grow anyway.


"When a world-class player like Thierry Henry goes other players take more responsibility and that speeds up the blossoming of some individuals and pushes them to take more initiative.


"I would not say we play with more freedom [without Henry]. The natural way of the team always goes through the strong players. With Thierry not being there it goes through some other ways."


The Frenchman admits that letting one of the world’s best footballers leave the club was a gamble, and one that has not yet proven entirely beneficial.


"It was a big gamble, and it is one I have not won yet because we have only played five games and it is nothing," said Wenger, who let his star man join Barcelona during the summer.


"I knew I took a gamble by losing Thierry - but you cannot keep (players like Emmanuel) Adebayor (out). At his age you have to let him play.


"I am not surprised that we have started well - but they have confirmed my hopes.


"They have strengthened my belief that this team can do well, but you have to show it on the pitch."


With Arsenal flying high in the league, Wenger knows that the visit of Sevilla will provide a tough test for his side.


He said: "My players must show the same belief, drive and consistency they have shown in the Premier League so far.


"There is a hunger in every game to play, and we just want to continue that. It is a different kind of football."