Thierry Henry says the Arsenal Invincibles declined for two reasons – one is a real surprise

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Thierry Henry will forever be a legend at Arsenal for his contribution in front of goal, writing his name into Premier League history.

Henry is deservedly one of several Arsenal representatives in the Premier League Hall of Fame, with the Gunners flying the flag for North London over the years. 

The Frenchman left the Emirates in 2007 to break hearts and transfer to Barcelona but, his presence never really left N5.

Arsenal’s record goalscorer is now cast in bronze outside of the Emirates for all to honour, however, it took the ex-striker some time to find love for the ground after leaving Highbury. 

• READ MORE: Arsene Wenger snubs Thierry Henry and says £3.5m signing was his best Arsenal transfer ever

Thierry Henry reveals the reason for the fall of the Invincibles

Henry, Arsenal and Highbury; three things that were destined to be together. 

When the Gunners left Highbury in 2006, a remarkable piece of history was left behind, with Arsenal yet to win the Premier League in their new home – despite being there for 18 years.

It’s staggering that since the Invincibles season of 2003/04, the North Londoners haven’t won the league, with Henry giving some indication of why that has happened.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Arsenal legend gave two reasons why the Invincibles fizzled out after their unbeaten heroics in 2003/04, one of which surprisingly was the Emirates. 

“I think the Stadium, we had to move into the stadium, money wasn’t available,” Henry said before revealing the other key reason that things went downhill. 

“In two years we nearly lost [the whole] Invincible team. On the other side, you’re looking at Man United, keeping their cool, adding players, Chelsea getting stronger, we’re losing players.

“I think that was the thing, no money, the money went into the stadium and we were losing players every single year. It became very difficult for us.”

It’s impossible to argue with Henry’s verdict as moving to the Emirates was a turning point in Arsenal’s recent history.

Being the focal point before, during and after the unbeaten campaign, the World Cup winner was more qualified than most to give his opinion, in what continues to be a challenging adaptation period for Arsenal.

Arsenal need to win a league title at the Emirates

Going 21 years without winning the league isn’t acceptable for Arsenal, as the wait for major silverware is ongoing under Mikel Arteta. 

The Spaniard has won the FA Cup as Arsenal manager but, despite coming close for two consecutive seasons, is no closer to winning the Premier League. 

Arsenal are set to miss out on the title for a third year as Liverpool are almost out of sight in the title race, extending the Gunners’ wait to top the table in May.

While transitioning to the Emirates was needed at the time, it’s taken a toll on Arsenal’s trajectory, which Henry credited to the fall of standards after the Invincibles.