Thierry Henry didn’t hold back in his criticism of an Arsenal star following the team’s Champions League (UCL) exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Henry didn’t mince words as he dissected the performance of the Gunners, who drew 2-2 in the first leg at the Emirates before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat in the second leg at the Allianz Arena.
The decisive goal came from Joshua Kimmich, who found the net with a record-breaking header in the 63rd minute, securing Bayern’s spot in the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid.
While many Arsenal fans directed their frustration at winger Gabriel Martinelli for his defensive lapse, Henry took a different stance, pointing the finger at Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The former Arsenal star highlighted Tomiyasu’s struggles at left back against the threat of Leroy Sane, suggesting that the Japanese international’s focus on Sane left him vulnerable to Kimmich’s goal-scoring opportunity.
In an impassioned intervention on CBS Sports, Henry urged viewers to examine Tomiyasu’s positioning, emphasizing the need for him to close down the space and prevent Kimmich’s header.
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Henry said: “Jamie, can I play the devil’s advocate? If I’m the winger there, defending for Tomiyasu, you’re going to see Martinelli defending there on Leroy Sane. I invite you to look at what Tomiyasu does.
He continued: “Martinelli has got to defend, so you [Martinell] are doing his [Tomiyasu’s] job right now, so you go all the way there. Please, stay with Tomiyasu.
“What is Leroy Sane going to do there? You’re looking at him. He can’t score! Close the gap! He can’t score! What is he going to do? He’s not even in the frame.
“This is where he was, Jamie, I know I’m going far, but he was there (off the pitch), how is he going to score? And Tomiyasu is like this (looking at Sane). Close the gap!”
Arsenal’s hopes of European glory were dashed once again, with the loss meaning they will miss out on qualification for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup tournament in 2025, where 12 European teams will compete.
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