Mikel Arteta has a huge decision to make when it comes to one key position in his Arsenal starting XI for Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
There are plenty of nailed-on starters in the Arsenal squad these days.
When fit, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, William Saliba, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, and David Raya are all essentially guaranteed to be picked week in, week out.
There are still question marks over a couple of positions ahead of this weekend’s trip to the Eithad Stadium. For a start, on the left wing, Martinelli is a doubt due to injury. On the opposite flank, a “late call” will be made on Saka to ascertain whether or not he is fit to start against the reigning champions.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has been urged to deploy Jorginho at the base of the midfield. There is also a debate to be had as to whether Jakub Kiwior or Oleksandr Zinchenko ought to be given the nod at left-back.
Arteta must also decide if Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus will lead the line.
Should Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus start for Arsenal v Manchester City?
It is worth noting first of all that this may become a moot point if either Saka or Martinelli are ruled out of this match, as in that case Jesus would likely be called upon to deputise on the wing.
However, assuming the Brazilian striker and the former Chelsea man are both vying for the same spot in the team, at the top of the pitch, then the manager has to back Havertz.
There can be no denying Jesus’ quality, and the 26-year-old would offer a potentially explosive option off the bench, who would have the capacity to come on and hurt his former club later in the game.
On the basis of his recent form, though, and his natural physical attributes, Havertz is the right man to spearhead the Arsenal attack against Pep Guardiola’s men. The 24-year-old has been in sensational form recently, having scored in his last four consecutive Premier League outings. Arsenal fans were even impressed with what they saw from Havertz during the international break.
Why Kai Havertz must start for Arsenal v Man City
As indicated by The Athletic, the 6’4” forward’s “unique” profile makes him well-suited to this opposition. As Manchester City are expected to have plenty of the ball, Arsenal need someone who can hold it up and protect possession when they have it. They also need a forward who can help them win it back quickly and get stuck into the physical battles on the pitch. Havertz has caught the eye this season with his hold up play, pressing ability, and habit of winning his duels.
What’s more, Havertz’s aerial prowess could prove to be another game-changing weapon. Arsenal have been incredibly effective from set-pieces this season, and the 44-cap Germany international gives them another towering target to aim for in these situations.
Above all, though, Havertz is considered a “big game player.” This is arguably the Gunners’ most important match of the season so far, certainly in Premier League terms. Havertz has shown that he can be relied upon to step up to such occasions.
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