Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has criticised Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz for one thing he did against Aston Villa.
Despite being on the losing side, Kai Havertz generally impressed for Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday.
The German also thought that he had equalised for the Gunners late on. He battled with Aston Villa defender Matty Cash for the ball, and was able to prod it over the line from close range. However, referee Jarred Gillett adjudged that the Arsenal man had handled the ball, and a VAR review held up the referee’s opinion.
The Gunners will certainly feel that this decision was harsh, as it has been met with plenty of criticism in the media. It can’t really be argued that Havertz gained any advantage from what was a minimal amount of contact between his hand and the ball.
Following this blow, Havertz was clearly frustrated. In the dying moments of the match, chasing a long ball which Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was always the favourite to claim, the Arsenal man did not halt his run and collided with the Argentine shot-stopper.
This foul allowed Martinez to run down the clock even more, as Arsenal’s last hopes of salvaging something from the match seeped away.
Kai Havertz and co need to keep cool heads at Arsenal
Speaking on Sky Sports’ commentary at the time, Jamie Carragher said, “it’s daft the situation Arsenal find themselves in the game because you know if anyone is going to make the most out of it, it’s going to be that man Emi Martinez. He knows what he’s doing. He’s playing at the clock. Daft from Havertz. You’re just wasting time for your own team. Just get back in position and get on with the game.”
Given how little time was left in the game, Havertz’s challenge almost certainly didn’t cost Arsenal another chance to bag an equaliser. Mikel Arteta will still have wanted to see his players keeping cool heads in that situation, though.
Generally, Arsenal have demonstrated an excellent ability to take something from games with late goals. They have achieved this by remaining calm and composed when up against the clock. Havertz failed to maintain those attributes against Aston Villa.
Arsenal now need to put this disappointing result behind them. All focus will now be on their final Champions League group stage game with PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday. Following that they are set to face Brighton in a Premier League clash. It is vital that they are able to get back to winning ways against the Seagulls, as every point will count in this season’s title race.
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