saka and havertz

Why is Arteta still using the failed experiment of Kai Havertz as a midfielder?

Undoubtedly, the Arsenal attack is underperforming; making a change is essential if Arteta wants them to lead us to glory. Mikel Arteta ought to abandon the use of Kai Havertz in the false 9 role; having the German striker take his place at the forefront and keep opposing defenders on their toes could be the way.

For several weeks, Havertz and Leandro Trossard have been operating within a system that blurs the lines between the roles of attacking midfielder and striker. I believe Arsenal is attempting to utilize two false #9s with Trossard and Havertz, but it doesn’t seem to be effective.

Trossard and Havertz frequently drop deep or move out wide. Thus the two are often too far away to reach the penalty box for tap-in crosses or cutbacks. As a result, they fail to adequately stretch the opponents’ defense.

Many of us didn’t have a problem with that, but following the Newcastle game, it became evident. We appreciate Havertz for his hard work, but ultimately, isn’t he the one who should be scoring the goals? Yesterday, he was all over the pitch, but not in the position he should occupy as a striker.

We contend that Havertz isn’t a conventional striker, yet let’s not overlook that at one point last season, we preferred him to stay away from the midfield. It is time for Arteta to simply ask Havertz to remain up front. Arteta, just play your striker where he ought to play.

Given teams like Newcastle are unwilling to alter Alexander Isak’s position, and Aston Villa also don’t play around with Watkins’ positioning, why should Arsenal consider playing their top striker out of position?

The fact that we didn’t sign #9 in the summer suggests that the German international convinced us. In the past five matches, Havertz has managed just one goal, which is dissappointing.

With Arteta telling Havertz to stay in his attacking position, he surely could enhance his goal-scoring statistics.

Darren N


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21 Comments

  1. I generally agree with what you are saying, some times simple is best, but we have to over complicate things don’t we. I actually like Havertz as a number 9.

  2. He’s good in midfield. He’s Better at playing behind a centre forward. He’s Totally hopeless playing as a striker/centre forward. In fact he spent several years proven he can’t play as a number 9. Arsenal will not progress until they buy a legitimate striker. Jesus is washed up. Trossard is adequate there.

    1. “Totally hopeless playing as a striker/centre forward.”

      Do you even watch Arsenal?

      Since playing upfront, Kai was outstanding last season, and continued that form this season. Not only that, his work ethic and defending from the front has been outstanding.

      He has 7 goals in 15 games in total this season, and he may only have 4 in 10 games in the league, but he’s not exactly getting many chances is he? Also, 3 out of those 10 games we were a man down for extremely long periods in each game. In other games we’re struggling to create anything.

      Made me laugh people saying we needed someone like Osimhan against Newcastle. Exactly how many chances did we create in that game? Doesn’t matter who have upfront if you’re not creating chances, and that has been the case for the majority of the season so far.

      I agree that a top striker was a priority going into last summer, but it wasn’t the case this summer because of Kai’s performances.

      Clearly the injuries, and suspensions have taken their toll, and Arteta is struggling to find a solution for our attacking at the moment. It’s more a tactical issue than anything in regards to our lack of goals and creation and that’s more on the manager than anyone.

        1. I am not hyping him up, I am simply pointing out the fact that he’s done very well since playing upfront.

          You think he’s been playing poorly upfront then? No issues with the tactics barely providing any chances, let alone clear cut chances?

  3. I prefer Kai occupying the centre halves and stretching them. We have top midfielders so he does not need to play there. More concerned with Leo starting games and not looking like scoring at all. Maybe he needs a rest. He is trying so hard but it’s just not working.

  4. Low-energy Kavertz in midfield, a failed experiment for sure. What would you say about our midfield general Thomas Party as a right back? All rookie errors by the rookie manager.

  5. I’ve emphasized on this since last season.
    Playing Havertz in midfield and Partey at rightback just doesn’t work but then Arteta feels he’s a genius who sees what we don’t.

      1. Yeah Sue, possibilities of a bigger role with the Evangelos Marinakis Group, which includes Forrest. Apparently he’s recently been in Brazil on”personal business”.

  6. Harverts (like everyone) is made to do more of a task that isn’t really his. Overworking will always result in low productivity. He’s plaid every 90mins of epl and champions League, he still came on as sub in Carabao though we had sealed victory.
    Even machine is subject to wear and tear, not to talk of human body.

  7. 😏 Losing someone in that position with no replacement during a season is not good.
    Looking forward to your article on this Dan.

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