Arsenal duo now blasted as they ‘didn’t look interested’ during West Ham defeat

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Former Aston Villa attacker Gabby Agbonlahor feels that Arsenal pair Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira let themselves down against West Ham United.

Mikel Arteta handed both Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira starts when Arsenal took on West Ham United in an EFL Cup tie on Wednesday.

Neither player covered themselves in glory, and contributed to a poor overall effort from the Gunners, who were beaten 3-1 and unceremoniously dumped out of the domestic cup competition by the Hammers.

Havertz was in need of an impressive display. Since his £65 million switch from Chelsea, the German has struggled to shine for the north London club. It has now been suggested that Arteta made a mistake in signing Havertz in the first place.

For his part, Vieira will have wanted to show that he can be relied upon to step up in Martin Odegaard’s absence. Especially as the club captain is currently dealing with a niggling injury. 

Despite both having good individual reasons to want to prove their worth, on top of progressing in the competition, neither could step up and shine. 

Arsenal need more from Kai Havertz and Fabio Vieira

Gabby Agbonlahor has now questioned the Arsenal duo’s attitude. Speaking on talkSPORT (02/11/2023, 06:14), the pundit said, “the problem is that the players that come in that haven’t been playing, the Fabio Vieiras, the Havertzs, didn’t look interested.”

It may be harsh to say that Vieira and Havertz didn’t care enough about the match. Early on in the game, Havertz looked busy and committed, but ultimately the lack of confidence he is currently burdened with seemed to get to him as nothing he tried came off.

Equally, whilst Vieira struggled to impose himself on the match, he did show flashes of quality. The Portuguese playmaker set up Odegaard for the late consolation goal.

Ultimately, though, both Havertz and Vieira will be disappointed with the levels they produced against West Ham. Arteta certainly won’t feel that the pair did their prospects on more regular Premier League starts any favours.