Henry Hails Saka's Grit as Arsenal Book Champions League Final Spot

Thierry Henry has lavished praise on Bukayo Saka following the winger's match-winning display in Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final triumph over Atletico Madrid, sharing insights from a conversation between the two after the Gunners' 2-1 aggregate victory.

Saka's season has been marked by injury troubles that repeatedly cast doubt over his influence, yet the England international has rediscovered his sharpness in recent outings. His decisive contribution in the second leg has sent Arsenal through to face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, with the chance to pursue a domestic and European double still firmly in play.

Speaking on CBS Sports following Tuesday's encounter, Henry underlined the mental fortitude required of Saka given the scrutiny and physical challenges he's faced. The Gunners legend recalled speaking with the 23-year-old as he battled back from injury, revealing the winger's determination to force his way back into the side.

"He's been questioned all season," Henry explained. "Can he be the guy? Is he not the guy? Is he the star boy? Is he not the star boy? Is he better than him or not better than him? Today he had to play with barely training. I know he's suffering with his Achilles tendon."

Henry described how Saka's mindset proved pivotal, with the player telling him: "I've got to be on the pitch. I've got to be on the pitch against Fulham. I have to be. It's do or die."

The former striker stressed the importance of acknowledging such commitment. "You have to give those guys a lot of credit," Henry said. "Sometimes we take it for granted. We all played through injuries. We all played with moments where you're not 100 per cent and he had to do it, deliver it for Arsenal."

Henry also turned his attention to Viktor Gyokeres, who has silenced doubters with his recent performances. The striker's form in the latter stages of the competition has vindicated Arsenal's faith in the Swedish forward, with Henry noting how the club's tactical approach has helped unlock his best qualities.

"The jury was out on him," Henry observed. "It's not a bad thing. Embrace it. Try to prove people wrong. Tonight he did."

Expanding on Gyokeres' evolution, Henry highlighted both the player's improved demeanour and Arsenal's intelligent deployment of his strengths. "In the last month, I will give him his credit. He's running, he looks solid and a bit more like a number nine that you can be scared of," Henry continued.

"What I like also is the way they look for him early – play to the strength of the guy because if not, I'm going to see his weaknesses instead of seeing his strong points. Now, because of the way they utilise him, I can see what he's good at and what he's not good at. It's a difference. The guy feels more comfortable to make the run where he's going to excel and not going to see his weakness."

With four matches in the next 25 days standing between Arsenal and an unlikely double, both Saka's resilience and Gyokeres' newfound confidence will prove essential as Mikel Arteta's side chase history.