I was at the Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal come from behind to beat Southampton, with the match proving to be more stressful than previously anticipated.
Heading into the ground, every Arsenal fan was confident about beating Russell Martin’s side, and rightly so. Arsenal were unbeaten heading into the game, and Southampton were winless.
However, Arsenal’s early dominance could not be converted into a goal, and nerves started to build at the start of the second half, with the home side then shocked as Cameron Archer fired into the bottom corner to give Southampton the lead.
Up until that point, Arsenal were unconvincing in attack, with Gabriel Jesus enduring a frustrating display, whilst Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz were yet to threaten much. This all changed after the Southampton goal, and it was thanks to one player.
Kai Havertz stepped up again for Arsenal in Southampton victory
Havertz started the game knowing that a goal would see him match Robin van Persie’s record of scoring in seven consecutive games at the Emirates Stadium, but he was moved back into midfield to accommodate Jesus upfront.
Nevertheless, in a time of adversity with his side trailing, Havertz stepped up in a truly world-class manner. He fought bravely for every duel, whilst his movement begun causing Southampton nightmares.
Havertz then scored a superb equaliser for Arsenal, as he picked up the ball from Bukayo Saka’s pass, and with the composure of a top-quality centre-forward, he shifted onto his left foot before smashing the ball home in off the post.
The German was truly outstanding from that point onwards, leading the line superbly and competing for every single ball until the final whistle, whilst he even showcased his skill on the ball with some classy touches.
It has now become clear that after a year of criticism since his move, that Havertz is the centre-forward that Mikel Arteta needs to win the title.
Mikel Arteta must keep Kai Havertz in Arsenal striker role
Some questioned Arteta’s decision to drop Havertz into the midfield to accommodate Jesus, who has had a difficult start to the season, and the Brazilian did not do anywhere near enough to win his usual place back from Havertz.
Many have claimed that Arsenal need to sign a clinical centre-forward in order to win the title this season, after watching Erling Haaland deliver remarkable numbers for Manchester City, but Havertz has shown that he is the striker Arteta needs.
Havertz’s goal record has been strong this season, but unlike Haaland, he offers so much more in build-up play, which is why Arteta is not afraid to throw him into the midfield.
This is where the problem lies though. Many perceive Havertz to be a ‘false nine’ rather than an out-and-out centre-forward, and this means that he is sometimes moved away from his best role.
Arteta must now see that Havertz truly thrives when allowed to lead the line, with the team also benefitting, and he should simply consider him as a centre-forward rather than a versatile option.
If allowed to start upfront for the rest of the campaign, Havertz can lead Arsenal to the title with his battling performances and decisive finishing as seen against Southampton, with his skill matched by his determination to win from a losing position.
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