Mikel Arteta’s team has secured only one victory in their last seven matches across all competitions. More concerning is their inability to score, as they’ve attempted 48 shots in their last two home games without finding the back of the net.
In the last three matches, Arteta experimented with three different strikers – Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and Kai Havertz – managing only one goal collectively. However, none of them seem to possess the lethal finishing touch that is desired.
Fans strongly advocate for a new striker, with one supporter even passionately shouting “GET A STRIKER!” during Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup loss to Liverpool. Arteta, however, reiterated on Sunday night that there’s a distinction between what they need and what actions they take. He appealed to the supporters to stand by the current players despite the evident challenges.
.
In the current situation, the immediate scenario is evident: Mikel Arteta must continue to have confidence in Havertz, as Nketiah is unreliable, and the prospect of finding a savior in the January transfer window is becoming increasingly unlikely.
THE HAVERTZ PUZZLE
Havertz, the German international acquired for £65 million from Chelsea in the summer, showcased a performance that encapsulated why watching and appreciating him can be frustrating. Despite his commendable efforts, the 24-year-old couldn’t find the net, reflecting the enigma that makes him both captivating and exasperating to witness.
During a chaotic and intense first half against Liverpool, Havertz exhibited all the qualities that prompted Arteta to take a risk on the former Stamford Bridge forward.
.
Remarkably, he accumulated a staggering FIVE significant opportunities in the initial half alone, and an optimist might suggest that this could bode well for the remainder of the season.
His collaborative play established an ideal foundation for those in his vicinity. Within just 10 seconds of the game, he controlled a long ball and set up Reiss Nelson with a quick turn.
In terms of aerial presence, his towering height at 6ft4 makes him a commanding figure, consistently winning numerous flick-ons and demonstrating a keen sense of anticipating contact. Moreover, his astute movement and positioning resulted in Nelson’s initial chance after only three minutes.
In the second half, he assumed a playmaking role, showcasing his adept passing skills with a precisely-weighted cross from a cleverly executed set-piece that should have been converted.
.
However, the pessimistic perspective on Havertz becomes apparent – he squanders scoring opportunities with a notable frequency. He lacks the natural instinct of a finisher.
On two separate occasions last night, he took three touches before attempting a shot, and both attempts were feeble and lacked power.
Even when he directs a header towards the goal, there’s a noticeable absence of aggression in his finishing. In the 38th minute, following a corner from Bukayo Saka, his glanced effort should have been successfully converted.
Despite these shortcomings, when positioned centrally, Havertz occasionally revived the fluid and dynamic style of play that characterized Arsenal’s best moments in the first 45 minutes.
Based on statistical probabilities, his contributions will eventually result in goals, compelling Arteta to persist with Havertz in the foreseeable future.