Thierry Henry has identified Arsenal and Bayern Munich as the leading contenders for Champions League success this season, citing their consistency and balance as key factors.
The former Arsenal striker, who remains the club's all-time leading scorer, was particularly impressed by Bayern's 6-1 thrashing of Atalanta. He believes the German side are more balanced than Barcelona in their attacking play and defensive organisation.
Arsenal, who face Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16, have won all eight of their European matches so far. Henry noted that both Arsenal and Bayern went unbeaten in the league phase, setting them apart from other challengers.
Henry expressed some reservations about Barcelona, despite their 1-1 draw at Newcastle in the first leg of their tie. He highlighted their erratic form, pointing to a heavy defeat against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey followed by a comprehensive victory in the return leg.
"They need to find that consistency and that balance if they want to win and be considered one of the hot favourites," Henry said. "But that balance sometimes that they don't have makes me turn a tiny bit more to Bayern and Arsenal."
