Sol Campbell agrees with Thierry Henry as Mikel Arteta's biggest Arsenal challenge made clear

Sol Campbell has backed up Thierry Henry’s claim that Arsenal need to win a trophy this season.

The Gunners have come close to Premier League success in recent years, finishing second twice to Manchester City and last season to Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s side also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2024-25, only to fall short against Paris Saint-Germain.

After further investment this summer on the likes of Viktor Gyökeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke, pressure will once again be ramped up as Arsenal look to secure a major prize.

Speaking to Paddy Power, former defender Campbell made it clear that silverware is a must for Arteta and his players this season.

“I think [Arteta] needs to get a trophy this season,” he said. “However he does it, he’s got to get something. He will get something and that will give confidence to the players. It will make them believe they are capable of doing it.

“Let’s show that we can create a legacy. Winning the Champions League is something that Arsenal need to do. You need to get that winning belief back. We are not just talking about winning, we are real contenders. Once you get that winning mentality, you can move on.”

Campbell’s comments echo those of Henry, who won two Premier League titles alongside him at Highbury.

“Let’s all be honest, it’s a must this year to win something. It’s a must, you can’t hide,” Henry said on CBS this week. “Whatever it is, you have to bring something. I know people will talk about the title, but I do think it is going to be a battle between Liverpool and Arsenal.”

Arsenal have made a strong start to the season, with three wins from their opening four Premier League games. They also claimed victory at San Mamés on Tuesday against Athletic Club. Their one defeat came away at Liverpool, where a late Dominik Szoboszlai strike proved decisive.

Winning at their rivals has been an issue for Arteta in recent seasons, with no victories at Manchester City or Liverpool during his tenure. Campbell believes both the head coach and the players need to show more adventure in these high-profile games.

“There’s a moment when you have to gamble, a moment where you have to just let go, and you’ve got to find the right time to do it. Hopefully that’s what they’ve learned from the Liverpool game, where there was still a little bit of a handbrake on. Arsenal have great attacking players now and they need to let them go.

“Trust the defence. You need to do something different to get a positive result. You can’t play safe all the time if you want to win something. I always say fortune favours the brave. Arsenal have come so close in the last few years and they need to do something different to get that extra luck, that extra moment.

“That’s why they brought Eberechi Eze to the club. He can give you something different. Those special players, in those special moments… then you have a chance to win things.”

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