Viktor Gyokeres will be eager to emulate everything Thierry Henry did at Arsenal, including his North London Derby record.
Arsenal’s record goalscorer wasn’t simply a master at putting the ball in the net, but was also the King of North London Derbies.
Henry prides himself on never losing against Tottenham during his time as an Arsenal player, something that Gyokeres would love to replicate, along with the goals scored on derby day.
Though there’s been a call for comparisons between Gyokeres and other strikers to be stopped, it’s impossible not to think of Henry when seeing the Swede sport the number 14, but will that sight be seen on match day 12?
Viktor Gyokeres could copy Thierry Henry in his first North London Derby
Injuries are plaguing the Arsenal squad right now to Mikel Arteta’s dismay.
Though at first, the Gunners were optimistic that Gyokeres would be fit to face Spurs, it has since been revealed that there are doubts.
While the understanding that Gyokeres could miss the North London Derby is concerning, it’s a path that Henry also had to walk.
During the 1999/2000 season, Henry missed his first-ever clash against Tottenham due to injury, something that only made his actual debut against the Lilywhites all the more special.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
“My first north London derby. It was a special one. I didn’t play the first game at the Lane because I was injured,” Henry told Sky Sports.
So, while Gyokeres will be disappointed to potentially miss his first clash of north London, he’ll be encouraged that he’s simply following in Henry’s footsteps.
Thierry Henry’s record against Tottenham in the North London Derby
Henry’s record against Tottenham is something every player would dream of retiring with, as the Frenchman never felt the heartache of losing a derby.
In fact, Henry really went above and beyond when it came to the fixture, recording seven goal contributions in the 11 games that he faced against Spurs.
With a win rate of 63% in the North London Derby, the Arsenal legend dominated the fixture during his playing days, making many forget that he actually missed his first one.
Gyokeres’ initial reaction will be frustration if he is to miss the clash, but upon reviewing Henry’s career against Spurs, the Swede can take some control back.