Arsene Wenger was ‘changed’ forever by one Arsenal player – Thierry Henry reveals all

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Arsene Wenger unearthed some of Arsenal’s greatest players during his time as manager but, one figure changed it all.

A lot has changed at Arsenal since Wenger departed the club after a 22-year reign. 

The Frenchman won a list of accolades in North London, as well as opening the Emirates Stadium and changing the dynamic of English football forever.

While the Premier League has a lot to thank Wenger for, the former Arsenal manager has a lot to thank his players for, with Thierry Henry crediting one ex-star for changing everything. 

• READ MORE: Cesc Fabregas picks ‘unstoppable’ Arsenal icon in dream team but snubs three Invincibles

Thierry Henry hails Cesc Fabregas’ impact at Arsenal 

If there’s one former player qualified to discuss the Gunners, it’s Arsenal’s record goalscorer.

Henry has spoken highly of Mikel Arteta’s work at the Emirates, always keeping a close eye on what is happening at his former club. 

The insight of a player is valuable at a time when the game can seem so distant from reality, with one of Wenger’s talisman’s revelations being quite a surprise.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Henry named the one player who caused great change at Arsenal, impacting the Gunners even today.

“The key for me is the one at the bottom, Cesc Fabregas. He changed the mentality of Arsene Wenger, we used to play a flat 4-4-2,” Henry explained to Gary Neville. 

“Because of Cesc, the player that he was, he started to think that he had to build the team around Cesc Fabregas.

“So he went to a 4-3-3 and they still play the same way. Believe it or not, I believe that Cesc Fabregas was the reason why he [Wenger] did that.” 

Henry implied that Cesc Fabregas changed the way Wenger’s Arsenal played, switching out his most trusted tactic to better suit the budding Spaniard. 

Even today, Arteta adopts a 4-3-3 with his Arsenal squad, allowing for greater emphasis on the midfield and implementing a less rigid approach. 

Cesc Fabregas’ scoring record at Arsenal compared to Chelsea

Henry holds Fabregas in incredibly high regard at Arsenal, which is something that very few supporters would say.

The Spaniard became a villain at Arsenal after signing for Chelsea, splitting opinion among fans regarding his claim to legendary status.

As seen above, the Como manager spent more time in North London but, had just as much of an influence in West London, contributing steadily throughout his time at Chelsea.

Regardless of how Fabregas is viewed at Arsenal, the former Spain international’s impact on English football cannot be denied, with Henry clear on the ex-Gunner’s influence.