Adebayor helps fans forget King Henry

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Growing in stature: Adebayor has scored in his last three games for Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor's timing could not have been better as he started to sparkle just as Arsenal wondered what the festive season had in store without Thierry Henry.

Adebayor has taken almost a year to adjust to life in the Premiership and has been sensitive to the impatience of those who expected more sooner from a £7m striker. Arsene Wenger admits the 6ft 3in Togo international may have been intimidated by Henry's iconic status when he first arrived from Monaco and by the weight of expectation from 60,000 home fans. But Arsenal fans have gradually fallen for Adebayor, seduced by his willingness, his power and the opening goal against Spurs in the North London derby.

Wenger said: "At the start he looked inhibited, especially at the Emirates. He is sensitive and sensed when people were on his back. That's why I used him more away from home at the start.

"But he has lost that complex and today people who were on his back now love him. He struggled a bit with his confidence because he had a very difficult experience in Monaco where he was rejected and didn't play.

"Maybe he struggled because he was impressed by Thierry's presence around him. Thierry loves to play with Adebayor but you are 20 or 21 and you don't play for Monaco and suddenly you are hit by such pressure. The World Cup helped him and this season he has become stronger."

Adebayor's sixth Premiership goal of the season came from the penalty spot as Arsenal romped to a 6-2 win against Blackburn on Saturday. It was the third straight game in which the big African had struck, and he was the pivot for every attack, playing a major role in two other goals.

Wenger added: "He has won the fans over because he fights. I'd seen him play a few times and I saw something interesting in him. I took a gamble because at the time we needed somebody physical. These things are difficult to find in Europe.

"Physically, I can't remember the last player like that at Arsenal. Maybe John Hartson or Ian Wright. Adebayor is an extrovert, a happy boy and that's good. There are similarities with Wright.

"He believes in himself. These guys who come from Africa have been educated in an independent way. They moved early to France from Africa at 16. He has learned to cope with difficult situations."

After his first Christmas in England, Adebayor will lead the Arsenal line at Watford today. He said: "When I was younger I wanted just to play, but I have learnt that you need to be a winner. I have learnt a lot from Kolo Toure. Whether you are 3-0 up or 3-0 down, he will be shouting at you: 'Come on, we have to keep concentrating'."

 

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