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Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has hit back at Thierry Henry’s claims that the Gunners lack a ‘top-quality striker’.
Henry’s comments came after Arsenal’s goalless draw with Chelsea at the weekend, where the Gunners all-time top scorer said that his former side lack the necessary firepower to win the Premier League title.
The Frenchman scored 228 goals in 376 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side, but Conquelin insists that, in Olivier Giroud, they possess the frontman who can steer them to their first top flight championship since 2004.
"Thierry Henry is wrong,” he told RMC. “Giroud shows his potential every week.”
“He showed that he has the level to be the Arsenal striker, and we can win titles with him.
"We are disappointed with the result against Chelsea because we were on a good run,” he continued.
“Now the target is to focus on the end of the championship, win all the remaining matches to get this second place, and of course win the FA Cup final.”
The stalemate at the Emirates ended Arsenal’s run of eight consecutive victories, an upsurge in form in which Coquelin has played a key role.
The 23-year-old has taken his chance in the first team with both hands this season, but insists that he never doubted his own ability.
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He continued: "I had no doubt about my qualities, but when you don't have the chance to show what we can do, doubt can settle in.”
“But I had my chance, and it went well. In every big club, there is competition. You must answer to that when you have the chance to play, that's what I do and I hope it will continue."
