After making a notable appearance in Wednesday’s match against Kairat Almaty, Kai Havertz is expected to be on Arsenal’s lineup once again. His return promises to enhance the team’s offensive play, especially in light of their current strong performance. The pressing question for Mikel Arteta is who will take Havertz’s place if needed.
In the first half of Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Kairat, Havertz netted one goal and assisted another. Arteta stated on Friday that the German midfielder is being considered for a starting role against Leeds United, potentially marking his first Premier League start of the season. “He’s ready,” Arteta noted. “Although he previously started, we need to manage his load since it’s been some time since his last game.”
There were no negative repercussions to his performance; in fact, it had a positive effect on the team. It was evident that Havertz’s presence revitalized the squad. However, Havertz has not played much recently, totaling only 137 minutes since a severe hamstring injury in February, followed by a concerning knee issue early in the current season, which had pushed Arteta to heavily rely on new signing Victor Gökeres. There are debates over whether Gökeres should make way for Havertz, but the scenario should improve soon.
It’s important to clarify here: This was against Kairat—Gökeres and Havertz had a strong partnership in their last match. Those familiar with Havertz’s talent at Bayer Leverkusen recognize his potential as a center-forward. In light of Arsenal’s struggles to find the net, many fans are open to changing tactics to include two strikers. Havertz did not envision a center-forward role when joining Arsenal, but might playing deeper provide the spark needed by the Gunners after a disappointing three-game winless streak?
How to Watch Leeds United vs. Arsenal
- Date: January 31st (Saturday) | Time: 10 AM ET
- Location: Elland Road, Leeds, UK
- TV: USA
- Odds: Leeds +450; Draw +290; Arsenal -182
Arteta appears receptive to the idea of utilizing Havertz effectively. When asked how Havertz could enhance the performance of other strikers, he responded, “More than competition, I see that he brings different qualities. Kai can also adapt to various positions. His key attributes are his movement, which improves our dynamics—allowing better communication and space creation for other players.”
He added, “What we saw the other day was very encouraging. Of course, the outcome may vary based on the opponent and their setup, but we have several promising options for the team. Whether he plays as a nine, attacking midfielder, or in various combinations, his influence can be significantly impactful.”
These remarks are especially noteworthy given that Martin Ødegaard is the only player scrutinized more than Gökeres. Arteta downplayed any arguments regarding his captain’s performance, confidently asserting, “I’m sure it will happen.”
Nonetheless, Ødegaard has been a divisive figure since last season, a part of a group of attackers needing to boost their scoring. He has only netted once in the Premier League so far. Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze has not had much playing time since preseason, while Havertz has participated in two of the last three matches, earning consideration for the captain’s role.
A greater concern for Ødegaard may be his lack of chances; he had only two opportunities in his last three Premier League games, all shortened by substitutions. Conversely, the four games before that saw him produce two assists and create 13 scoring chances. The unpredictable nature of Arsenal’s current season makes it hard to discern long-term patterns amidst the series of mini-matches they are experiencing in North London.
The same holds true for Havertz’s return to action in the Premier League. It could significantly bolster Arsenal’s performance, but it’s crucial to note that Havertz isn’t here to single-handedly save the team—Arsenal may not require that.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer enthusiasts as it signals the return of a talented player capable of altering the course of a game for Arsenal. Havertz’s contribution could be the key to reigniting a struggling team’s season, potentially leading them back into the competitive fold of the Premier League.
