£65m Arsenal player isn’t the problem, fans are getting his Liverpool performance all wrong

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Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side shouldn’t have lost against Liverpool tonight, anyone who watched the first half will agree.

Alan Shearer was absolutely astonished that Arsenal weren’t four or five goals ahead whilst commentating on the game – Arteta’s team were dominant.

But as has been the case for The Gunners in all of three of their recent losses, they simply had no confidence in front of goal.

All of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Reiss Nelson were guilty of missing huge chances, one simply had to go in.

However, as if often the case following a disappointing Arsenal display, Kai Havertz is in the spotlight.

Arsenal fans have been begging for the £65m German to get a chance through the middle – and his overall performance was encouraging.

Havertz was holding the ball up well, linking his teammates and impressing with his movement.

He should have finished a chance, or maybe even two – there’s no doubt about that.

But the defeat simply can’t be blamed on Havertz, instead his performance should be a cause for optimism.

If Gabriel Jesus is now missing for a period of time with his knee injury, Havertz could be a better alternative to Eddie Nketiah.

Mikel Arteta was right to start Kai Havertz as Arsenal’s number nine against Liverpool

Arsenal have lacked presence up front in their recent performances, something that can’t be said today.

And although the showing against Fulham was poor all round, Mikel Arteta will surely take some positives from Arsenal’s performance against Liverpool.

Much like the performance against West Ham United, The Gunners were in control for large periods of the game – but simply didn’t take their chances.

Fans need to stay on side, there’s still so much that can be achieved this season.

Arteta’s side now don’t have a game for 12 days, they’ll return against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on January 20th.

Perhaps fans will be a little disappointed if their side don’t recruit in that period, but they might be advised to temper their expectations.

Neither Arteta or Edu Gaspar will be interested in a knee-jerk reaction, it’s simply not their style.

And as Arteta’s post-match-message suggested, Arsenal seem much more likely to fight this poor form with their existing squad, one they do believe in.