Plenty of Arsenal stars have come in for criticism this season as the Premier League title appears to be slipping out of their hands.
The Gunners were hopeful that this year would finally be the one where they get over the line, having lost out to Manchester City in the previous two campaigns.
With their rivals dropping away, it seemed set up nicely for Arsenal to steam through to a first Premier League trophy in over 20 years.
However, it’s Liverpool who look set to take advantage as their huge lead at the front of the pack looks likely to end in success.
While a lot of the Arsenal squad have come in for criticism over the season, one star received an unjust amount of stick from the fanbase and his absence proves how much he actually did for the side.
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Kai Havertz deserves an apology from Arsenal fans
It is often said that you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone and for Arsenal, that is certainly the case when it comes to the centre-forward ranks this season.
Fans have begged for a new striker for some time, which makes some sense due to the need for a clinical scorer in the tight games they have dropped points in.
However, that has often come with frustration aimed towards Kai Havertz for not being the option they need in that area.
That is despite being constantly told by Mikel Arteta just how good the German international truly is for the side.
“He has been unbelievable,” the Arsenal boss said earlier this season on Kai Havertz. “His football brain, the way he understands space, his timing, he brings people together.
“His work ethic is incredible and now he is a real threat around the box. He is one of our main players at the moment.”
With so many injuries around him this season, the centre-forward has often been the one presence available throughout the campaign.
Havertz isn’t a ridiculous goal scorer, but he isn’t bad either, with nine Premier League goals from an xG [Expected Goals] of 9.4.
The 25-year-old’s ability on the ball and off the ball makes him an integral part of the all-round play for Arsenal.
While it’s certain that the Gunners will enter the transfer market for a new striker, Havertz’s hamstring injury has proven just how important he is.
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Premier League title hopes all but over after Kai Havertz injury
While Gabriel Jesus picked up an ACL injury, all of the hope in the centre-forward department fell to the feet of Havertz.
However, in a cruel twist of fate for Arsenal, Havertz picked up a season-ending injury of his own to leave the striker ranks light.
Without the forward, Arteta has tried out a few different options from Leandro Trossard to Mikel Merino, with no solid answer yet.
None of them can quite replicate what Havertz is capable of though, with injuries proving he is possibly the most important player available.
For that reason, the German international deserves an apology from those who are quick to usher him out the club.
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