Henry adapting to new role

Thierry Henry feels he has grown into the role of leading the Arsenal front line as a lone striker.

The brilliant Frenchman has this season often been deployed by manager Arsene Wenger at the head of a five-man midfield - and to great effect.

Henry, twice a World Cup finalist, accepts it has required taking on a different approach to his game with the Gunners - after he had for so long played off the superb talents of Dennis Bergkamp.

With the likes of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Dutchman Robin van Persie and England youngster Theo Walcott also ready to support their captain when needed, Wenger certainly has plenty of potent weapons in his squad.

"It is different now," reflected Henry, who has netted six goals so far this season.

"When we used to play 4-4-2 I had another role - now I have to learn to wait, keep the ball."

The Arsenal captain, 29, added: "I know when you play 4-5-1 it is not always down to you what happened.

"You have to do a bit more for the team; you are in the box less, and that is something I have to put in my mind.

"When you play one up front it is not an easy game.

"I have to put in my mind sometimes that is the kind of game I am going to have to play.

"When you play like that you need to make sure you do not lose the ball early, to make sure you join the game and you shield it.

"It is not really my type of game - but against Liverpool, I showed I can adapt to any kind of situation.

"That is what I have to do to make the team win."