After losing to Bournemouth last weekend, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was keen to express the context of the defeat.
Prior to their 2-0 humbling on the south coast, Arsenal hadn’t lost for six months and they haven’t dropped a single point in the Premier League with 11-men on the pitch this season.
It’s certainly not all doom and gloom by any means, even if the mood among fans can change in a heartbeat in N5.
Arsenal fans criticised Arteta for being too negative with his line up after Saturday’s defeat, something that felt easy to say with the benefit of hindsight.
However, the Gunners could have easily still won despite their sluggish start against Bournemouth had they kept it 11 vs 11.
Tony Adams says Kai Havertz is a reason for Arsenal to stay positive
That being said, in an interview with Mirror Sport, Tony Adams has provided a reason for Arsenal fans to remain positive right now.
Adams praised Arsenal striker Kai Havertz profusely, saying there wasn’t a better suited player in world football for the club right now.
Havertz has been lighting up the Emirates Stadium of late, and Adams said he never saw this success coming after a difficult start.
Adams said: “Havertz has been incredible. If you were to go back and tell Arteta he’s going to do as well as he’s done, I don’t think anybody would have seen it coming.
“Is there a better fit for Arsenal in the world today? I don’t think so. He’s a brilliant player that heads the ball so well. He’s fantastic in the air, he’s very intelligent, he’s got great linkup play and there is nobody better to lead the line for Arsenal.
“There was a transition period when we got him from Chelsea but since then he’s been on it. He might dip in form next season and then maybe, you can look to replace him.”
Mikel Arteta still needs to find a new striker
Although Kai Havertz has been a huge success at Arsenal in the end, his progress has left Gabriel Jesus out in the cold.
Jesus, who is renowned for his brilliant pressing, has suddenly appeared slightly incomplete in his infrequent Arsenal opportunities.
The Brazilian is understandably snatching at his chances, and it seems appropriate for Arsenal to shuffle their pack next summer.
Arsenal fans should stick behind Jesus until then, a four-time Premier League winner who can still be crucial across the campaign.
However, it no longer seems as if Jesus is the perfect partner for Havertz long-term.
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