Henry captaincy debate goes on as Gilberto leads to the
manner born
As Gilberto Silva reflected on Arsenal's latest successful result
without Thierry Henry, he emphasised how much the team look forward
to having the striker back. "We need him because we know how
important he is," the Brazilian said. Most Arsenal fans would
agree, despite a seven-match unbeaten stretch in his absence, but
whether they all want Henry to reclaim the captaincy from Gilberto
is a moot point.
Gilberto's performance during Tuesday's win at Watford confirmed
the inspiration he has drawn from taking temporary hold of the
armband. As at Chelsea he was the outstanding player, and he scored
his fifth goal since Henry's enforced break. That is an impressive
return for a defensive midfielder who had scored 15 times in 180
previous Arsenal appearances, even if his two against Tottenham
this month were penalties.
Whereas questions have been asked about Henry's suitability to lead
the team, the captaincy is sitting comfortably with Gilberto. The
30-year-old World Cup winner is naturally quiet and undemonstrative
but Arsène Wenger has described him as "a real leader in the
dressing room" and Gilberto has been more vocal and expressive when
required.
Wenger will not strip Henry of the armband but it is legitimate to
ask whether doing so would benefit the striker and team. Henry's 33
Arsenal goals last season hardly suggested he was burdened by the
task but his form this term has dipped below his high standards.
Might it help to have one less worry? His leadership style has long
been picked over, with doubts raised about some of his body
language and whether occasionally he daunts team-mates by showing
displeasure.
The debate extends to whether midfielders or defenders are better
placed to be captains. "You are probably in a better position to
see the game," Davis conceded. "When you are at the front you can't
organise things at the back but you have some great captains who
have led from the front.
He took particular pleasure from beating direct, aggressive
opponents in Watford. "We have been criticised for our physical
strength but we showed we are more competitive than some people
say," he remarked. "We played our game but when we had to play
physically we did."
