Mikel Arteta Warns That Kai Havertz’s Attacking Numbers “Have To Be Improved”

By The Editor
on 10th November 2023

Mikel Arteta is looking to get more out of Kai Havertz…

Mikel Arteta has reaffirmed his happiness with Kai Havertz’s form, but warned that the German’s attacking output must improve this season, the Spaniard told the press.

Speaking ahead of our Premier League clash against Burnley at the Emirates, the former Chelsea man has only registered two goal involvements this term.

One of those goal contributions came from scoring a penalty in our 4-0 win at Bournemouth as continues to Havertz struggle to match his predecessor Granit Xhaka’s attacking numbers.

Interestingly, Havertz is outperforming Xhaka when it comes to the defensive side of his midfield role, which seems odd given that the Swiss international was previously deployed as a holding midfielder.

Given the amount of time we’re spending in the opposition’s half, there’s no reason for a player of Havertz’s quality and experience to not have more goal contributions.

“I don’t know. I can tell you that I’m really pleased with the way he’s performing,” Arteta said when asked about the 24-year-old’s form.

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“Obviously, looking at the numbers, just specifically the numbers of what he’s producing in front of goal, those have to be improved and we have to improve them, but in many other areas of the pitch, what he gives to the team at the moment is really important.”

When watching Havertz, one can’t help but notice that he often drifts into areas that seem ‘safe’ and avoids receiving the ball in the pockets that Arteta wants our playmakers to be in.

One thing Arsenal fans will not forgive is a player hiding. Even if the ball isn’t going in for him, Havertz needs to keep trying and matching his defensive intensity when he’s in possession of the ball.