“We Are A Team” – Arteta Refuses To Discuss Kai Havertz’s Form

By The Editor
on 3rd November 2023

Mikel Arteta isn’t into individually analysing players publicly…

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta refused to give a public assessment of Kai Havertz’s form after the former Chelsea forward produced another below-par display in Wednesday’s cup exit against West Ham United.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of our trip to Newcastle United, Arteta was asked to describe the form of Arsenal’s £65 million man with his only goal this season coming from the penalty spot against Bournemouth.

While all the focus has been on our goalkeeper situation, Havertz’s lack of presence in our starting lineup in the league has gone unnoticed.

The German international has started two league games since September, with those starts coming against Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

It seems Arteta has made an effort to take the 24-year-old out of the firing line with his form constantly discussed, but that solution has a shelf life.

“I’m not going to talk about any individual like that,” Arteta said when asked if he was concerned about the midfielder’s form.

“We are a team, and when we play at our best it’s the team, and when we don’t, I am the one who is responsible for that. We all need to try and improve every single day.”

With Emile Smith Rowe now joining Thomas Partey on the sidelines for a matter of “weeks”, Havertz will certainly be required in the heart of the midfield.

It’s a position that has been alien to him in recent years and his adjustment to that role has been rather bizarre when the stats are analysed.

The former Leverkusen man has become an asset in midfield in terms of his defensive duels, though he’s underwhelmed in the attacking part of the game.

Havertz compared to Xhaka last season.

Similar attacking output, less ball progression, more defensive actions.

Hasn’t been an upgrade, but perhaps not a downgrade either. I would really like to see more attacking threat and presence from him in the matches ahead. pic.twitter.com/KyRdTZgE2d

— Scott Willis (@scottjwillis) October 30, 2023

Granit Xhaka delivered double figures in terms of goal involvements in the Premier League last season, and Havertz must replicate that if we’re to maintain our attacking output this term.