Arsenal star Kai Havertz started as Germany suffered Euro 2024 heartbreak in their quarter-final clash with Spain.
In a thrilling affair, both Germany and Spain had chances to win, but the hosts could not find the back of the net before Arsenal target Mikel Merino buried a late winner in extra time.
Havertz started upfront, and his movement led to several chances, but he could not convert his efforts before being substituted at the start of extra time.
One big chance in particular saw the Arsenal attacker presented with a chance to catch Manuel Neuer out after a Germany error, but his effort sailed over the bar, much to his Nation’s frustration.
Arsenal fans are now divided over his display, as some believe his performance was strong overall, but others are now not convinced that he is the right goalscorer to lead the line under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal fans unconvinced by Kai Havertz performance in Germany defeat
Arsenal fans have taken to X to give their verdict on Havertz’s display. Some have leapt to his defence, and pointed out that Borussia Dortmund striker Nicklas Fullkrug also missed key chances.
“Fullkrug missed more chances than Havertz lowkey but you won’t hear it,” one pointed out.
“No ones gunna talk about how many chances Fullkrug has missed but they’ll all talk about Havertz,” another added.
“Kai Havertz was causing chaos and creating so many transitions but all they see is one miss. I wonder how they feel now looking at the chances missed by Fullkrug. He’s supposed to be clutch according to you lot,” one fans stated in his defence.
Some were less sympathetic, and highlighted how he can improve in his finishing.
“I am an Arsenal fan but the truth must be told, Kai Havertz missed 3 clear chances in that game that he should have scored. He should sort himself out before next season if he remains our main striker. He needs to be ruthless in front of goal,” one posted.
“As good as Havertz is, he has to improve his finishing,” another Arsenal fan pointed out.
“Havertz’s movement, work rate, and physicality are elite. Finishing is a hit or miss. Stick him up top and he’ll do the job. If he gets the ball in the build-up play, he’s toast. He has no idea what to do when he has the ball,” another highlighted.
Kai Havertz was unlucky in Germany defeat to Spain
Havertz did miss several chances, but his movement was strong overall, and not all of his chances were easy.
His miss when Neuer was off his line was the worst, and he should have perhaps hit the target, but his headers in the first half were unlucky given the effort he put on the end of each chance.
Havertz is a player who thrives off confidence, and it is clear that it was not at its highest in a high-pressure home tournament.
Mikel Arteta will hope he can return to the form he ended the season in with Arsenal as he starts next season, and he is unlikely to change his transfer plans based upon the Euros.
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