Henry No Longer Gunner, Just Goner

Well, that's it. Henry is gone. Off to FC Barcelona. He cited the departure of David Dein and his uncertainty over Arsene Wenger's future.

That seems strange and somewhat unprofessional. But it's hard to say what else is going on at the club. If I were Henry, I would think I'd be more focused on the club's lack of big player signings to bolster Champions League chances. But, oh, well.

I had thought that I'd panic and cry and generally have fits if this day ever came, but I'm handling it well. Here's why. Arsenal football (or Arsene football, if you prefer) is a style you fit players into and Henry fit into it well. With the right cast of characters around him, Henry was a prolific and dangerous striker. He will continue to be so in Barcelona. Thierry's success at Arsenal, however, does not preclude other strikers from being successful. Not in the least. The issue is who they replace him with.

Will the club rely on Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor? Or will they add a big name striker to the club?

In some ways, I think the more central player is Cesc Fabregas...and perhaps Gilberto Silva. Cesc would definitely be harder to replace.

Secondly, I am a Barcelona fan as well. So, this makes Barcelona stronger and more attractive. (Although, playing time could become an issue with Eto'o, Messi, & Ronaldinho already wearing striped shirts) The problem is that the Spanish League is hardly ever on TV, so I will rarely see Msr. Henry play again. That sucks.

All in all, I think the bigger question hanging over the club is what the directors' plans are for player acquisition and development, and holding on to Arsene Wenger. My hunch is that Arsene is a goner, too...