Arsenal kick-off their Champions League campaign in Kiev tonight – can Theo inspire again, this time in Europe?

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has responded to his critics after helping the side to a 3-1 Champions League victory at home to Sporting Lisbon.

The former Arsenal player was rested for Saturday’s 1-1 league draw at home to Racing Santander, prompting press speculation that new coach Pep Guardiola had dropped him.

“It’s better to talk about our victory than the incredible things they have said about me,” Henry told reporters. “People talk a lot but I have been playing football for 14 years and it is 11 players who win or lose, not one.

“Here, though, it seems to operate differently sometimes.”

When asked about being left out of the squad to face Racing, Henry responded: “Ask the coach.”

The 31-year-old failed to win over fans under former coach Frank Rijkaard, despite being their top scorer with 19 goals in all competitions.

Arsenal kick-off their Champions League campaign in Kiev tonight – can Theo inspire again, this time in Europe?