Mikel Arteta’s ‘masterstroke’ has now helped ‘really awkward’ player flourish at Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta has made several brave decisions at Arsenal.

The Spaniard has been at the helm at the Emirates since December 2019. This is his first-ever job in management, and he has definitely exceeded expectations.

Arsenal have been challenging for the Premier League title in each of the last two seasons, and they are serious contenders again this time around.

That wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Arteta and some of his decisions.

Glenn Murray raves about Mikel Arteta’s Kai Havertz masterstroke at Arsenal

Many people were shocked when Arsenal made a move to sign Kai Havertz in 2023.

The Germany international had a really underwhelming spell at Chelsea. He spent three years there and even scored the winner in the Champions League final, but overall, he wasn’t great.

Arteta, however, was adamant that he wanted Havertz at Arsenal, and the Gunners’ board agreed to spend the big bucks to land him.

It took several months for everyone to be convinced, but Arteta has managed to transform Havertz at Arsenal, to the point that he is now one of the best players in the Premier League.

Glenn Murray, who knows a thing or two about being a forward, has delivered his verdict on Havertz, a player he thinks is ‘really awkward’ but is still flourishing.

He told Premier League Productions: “Yes, I think it was a transfer shrouded in mystery to an extent – ‘Where is he going to fit?’ But, his unorthodox style is starting to really flourish at Arsenal.

“He’s not a nine, he’s not a 10, he’s really awkward, but he crashes the box well and he’s starting to get comfortable at Arsenal now.

“I think he’s one of those players, we don’t know what he is, and his teammates didn’t quite know what he was. I think it was a masterstroke from Arteta.

“Defenders aren’t sure with him, he’s an awkward player.”

Two people at Arsenal deserve a huge apology

Almost every Arsenal fan had their doubts about Havertz.

Yes, when he first joined the club, Arteta’s plans made sense and theoretically, some thought he would be a great signing in Granit Xhaka’s role.

However, after his difficult start to life at the Emirates, more and more people began to wonder if Arteta had made a mistake by signing Havertz.

Now, all of them need to put their hands up, admit they were wrong and apologise to both Arteta and Havertz – we were all wrong to doubt the two of them.

Signing Havertz was indeed a masterstroke by Arteta, and Arsenal are reaping the rewards now.