Henry says Arsenal must be wary of clubs outside the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’

Henry says Arsenal must be wary of clubs outside the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ Thierry Henry has warned Arsenal not to underestimate teams outside the Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’ this season. The Gunners were handed a massive wake-up call by Brighton & Hove Albion in their final outing before the extended international break. The Seagulls’ 3-0 home win ended Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the new season and highlighted why they could struggle to defend the title. Arsenal must beware the Premier League’s ‘smaller’ clubs Arsenal are unlikely to enjoy the same level of dominance they experienced during their title-winning campaign if teams outside the traditional elite continue to punch above their weight. Brighton are not the only club capable of causing problems, with Brentford and Leeds United also making impressive starts to the campaign. The emergence of ambitious clubs outside the established elite could make the Premier League title race far more unpredictable this season. That is a trend former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry believes should concern the Gunners. “Brighton and Brentford have done some great things recently, Leeds finished last season really well and have continued to do so,” Henry told Premier League betting site Betway . “The only team you can be surprised about is Hull, who have arrived in the Premier League like Sunderland did last year. “Again, in my time Ipswich finished fifth and Sunderland finished seventh one year, so you always have a team who will surprise you. “For the neutral, it’s great because at one point everyone thought Arsenal would run away with it, as Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool were teams with new players and new coaches. “Suddenly it’s the international break, and Arsenal are three points behind Man City. “I think for the neutral, you want to see big games every weekend, battles, and teams performing who maybe you were not expecting to do well. That’s great to see.” Arteta’s new deal gives Arsenal continuity After ending their 22-year title drought last season, manager Mikel Arteta set his sights on establishing Arsenal as the dominant force in the Premier League. The club have shown their faith in Arteta by awarding him a new long-term contract, reportedly worth around £20 million per year. With all of their ‘Big Six’ rivals changing their managers this year, that continuity could be a crucial factor in helping Arsenal achieve their goals. Arsenal’s leadership team say they want to embark on a ‘winning era’ under Arteta and create ‘many more memories’ after clinching the title last season. Arteta said : “It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal. “This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue. “We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together. “I’m extremely grateful to Stan and Josh (Kroenke) for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history. “This is such a proud moment for my family and me. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.” Arteta must pay heed to Henry’s comments Arsenal’s faith in Arteta is unsurprising, given the support they have provided since he was appointed manager in December 2019. The club has invested more than £900m in player transfer fees across his near seven-year reign and granted him much greater control over the club’s operations. That level of backing undoubtedly comes with much higher expectations. Ultimately, if Arsenal fail, Arteta cannot blame anyone else. The defeat at Brighton cost Arsenal three points, but also highlighted a much broader challenge. As many other managers have discovered, delivering sustained success is not easy. Arteta would be well-advised to pay heed to Henry’s comments. As defending champions, Arsenal will head into every game with a sizeable target on their back. Clubs such as Brighton, Brentford and Leeds have shown they can upset the odds when everything clicks. Arsenal must be wary of the threat posed by every opponent, or their hopes of establishing a title-winning dynasty under Arteta could flounder.