Mikel Arteta told one Arsenal player is now a ‘problem’ in ‘every game’ by former Chelsea star

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Arsenal were once again toothless in front of goal against Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. 

The Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw by the Toffees in North London on Saturday afternoon, further damaging their Premier League title hopes. As Liverpool also dropped points this weekend, Arsenal failed to take advantage by eating into their lead at the top of the table. 

Mikel Arteta’s side controlled the game against Everton, but were unable to find any cutting edge in the final third. The manager’s substitutions have since been criticised, as he failed to positively influence the game. 

Arteta was slammed for taking off Martin Odegaard, and has now been called out for leaving Kai Havertz on the pitch. 

READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height

Craig Burley calls out Kai Havertz after Arsenal vs Everton

Havertz is the first choice to lead the line for Arsenal, and does have qualities that make him suitable for this task. The German offers a focal point, tremendous work rate, and a physical presence in the final third. 

However, he is far from being the most prolific of forwards, and former Chelsea player Craig Burley feels that his lack of impact in front of goal is a huge issue for the Gunners. 

Speaking on ESPN in the wake of the stalemate against Everton, Burley said: “I found his [Arteta’s] changes really, really baffling. Also, he’s talking about goals; it’s my favourite subject, the one guy he didn’t take off, and once again he was a passenger, was Kai Havertz. 

“It’s almost every game, we sit here and say ‘what did he do?’ Yeah, he ran about, he closed down, he won a couple of headers. He didn’t do anything of any note in or around the penalty area.

“The one man that stays on the field has the least impact of anybody, and that’s the front man Kai Havertz. It’s a problem.”

Mikel Arteta must solve Arsenal striker problem

Arsenal have been told to sign a striker, and that must be the club’s top priority heading into the January transfer window. 

Bukayo Saka aside, all of the Gunners’ attacking players have underperformed in terms of end product in the Premier League so far this season.

Without a reliable, clinical finisher, Arsenal stand no chance of being crowned champions.

Viktor Gyokeres would be the perfect signing for Arteta to make, but it remains to be seen if the club are willing to make the financial commitment that such an acquisition would require this winter.