Arsenal have gifted league to United, says Henry

Thierry Henry said yesterday that Arsenal have all but handed their Premiership title to Manchester United.

United must win their last two matches to be certain of winning the title and England's PFA Player of the Year said Arsenal's tendency to throw away winning positions has cost them dear, referring in particular to the 2-2 draw with Bolton at the weekend, in which the Gunners had led 2-0.

"The title is in Manchester's hands if they win their next two matches," the striker said while preparing for France's friendly against Egypt tonight. "Against Bolton we conceded two goals in 10 minutes, that's the story of our season – we do not know how to hold a lead. Against Aston Villa, we didn't know how to hold on to the lead. If Manchester win the title we will have given them a present."

However, Arsenal's Gilberto Silva said the team must retain their self-belief. "We have to believe we can still win it," he said. "Manchester United have a big opportunity now, but we'll just have to stay concentrated for these final three games."

Referring to the Bolton match the Brazilian said: "I don't know what happened, but the injuries [to Fredrik Ljungberg, Pascal Cygan and Lauren] did affect us. The three players on the pitch were warm while the three coming on were cold. In a match like that it can take as much as 10 minutes to get really into the game."