- Robert Pires believes Thierry Henry was one of best strikers ever to play for Arsenal.
- Gilberto Silva felt rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal was fiercer.
- Sol felt playing at Anfield, Liverpool’s home ground, was harder than Old Trafford.
Thierry Henry, a fellow Frenchman, is regarded by legendary attacking midfielder Robert Pires as one of the greatest strikers the world has ever seen, particularly during Arsenal’s Invincible season of 2003–04.
“For me, Thierry is among the best attackers. And at the time [2003–04], he was possibly ranked second, just behind the Brazilian Ronaldo. Thierry was an incredible player “, Pires stated.
Arsene Wenger, a great football coach, is regarded by Pires as one of the best managers in the world. “Oh, I think one of the best managers is Arsene. Because he is French, I have known him for a very, very long time. I am French. I once represented Marseille. He called me six months before I joined Arsenal and for me, so I know he was in Monaco. Yes, Arsene from Arsenal made a terrific call.” In the episode, ex-footballer Gilberto Silva from Brazil claimed that the rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal used to be fiercer than it is now, even when both sides were giving each other a hard time.
“Both, I believe, but the rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal was, in my opinion, greater at the time because the two teams often competed for the championship. I am aware that the first few times they visited Highbury were difficult for them because they had to make a donation. You are aware that you will be playing one of your top competitors, and you must be prepared for a difficult battle.”
On the other hand, Sol Campbell felt that playing at Anfield, Liverpool’s home field, was more difficult than playing at Old Trafford. Sol Campbell was also a member of the network’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 expert panel alongside Pires, Silva, Wayne Rooney, and Luis Figo.
Going to Anfield and playing there used to be harder for me than playing for Manchester United. It’s simply one of those venues where you had to work on it because if you didn’t, you really got ripped apart.” Although Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team has had recent difficulties, this season has started off thunderously. They are the league’s top team with 40 points, closely followed in second place by Manchester City, the defending champions. Campbell offered the team and the crowd some guidance.
“Now, everything revolves around consistency and keeping it up. if they keep together, stay true to themselves, play at their highest level, and act like a family, being close-knit and humble about it as well. Never wander off. Simply keep playing and you will win. Avoid getting too high or too low. If you are constant, they will comply.”
“You only get this chance to be there once in your life. We weren’t chosen to be there, so we can’t pick it. It’s comforting to know that when we look back, we left a good place for others. We were in a better location and position when we left the club. We gave it our best effort. They seem to remember us a little bit when they watch Arsenal.” Silva said.
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