Mikel Arteta is believed to be a huge fan of Kai Havertz, and the plan was for him to be Arsenal’s starting striker this season.
Havertz impressed for Arsenal at the weekend and scored at the Etihad Stadium after pouncing on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s mistake.
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The Gunners produced one of their most attacking performances of the season, and it was no coincidence that the German was the player leading the line.
The North London club had big plans for the 26-year-old this season, and it should have come as no surprise to see him starting in the biggest game of the season.
Mikel Arteta loves Kai Havertz at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal coaching staff love Kai Havertz, and the initial plan was for him to start ahead of Viktor Gyokeres this season.
The Swedish striker has been quite impressive in his debut campaign, scoring 18 times, but he’s only been starting because of Havertz’s injury struggles.
Havertz looked ‘physically’ phenomenal after returning from injury during pre-season, only for another issue against Manchester United to halt his progress.
Speaking about Arsenal’s situation, Ornstein told The Athletic FC Podcast: “Let’s not forget, Kai Havertz was meant to be Arsenal’s starting striker this season. Everybody talked about how well he came back. Physically, he was a beast. He had been in the gym.
“He looked in incredible shape. I think he was meant to start, was it, Arsenal’s first game at Old Trafford? He got an injury, and Gyokeres got thrown in quicker than he was meant to because he hadn’t had a pre-season after the tumultuous transfer from Sporting.”
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Havertz’s understanding of Arteta’s system is why the Spanish coach is such a big fan, and it will be so frustrating that he has struggled to remain fit.
“So things were not quite right there from the start. Havertz has barely played this season, and clearly Arteta has wanted to use him.
“The way he talks about him shows that he feels that the style, the understanding, they absolutely love Havertz – Arteta and his sort of staff at the club, he understands the instructions.”
Arteta now has a decision to make over whether he keeps Havertz in the team or brings Gyokeres back up top when they face Newcastle next weekend.
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