30 November 2023 , 09:12
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Paul Merson was full of praise for Kai Havertz after Arsenal's 6-0 thrashing of Lens, but warned manager Mikel Arteta he is not playing him in his best position.
Havertz scored Arsenal's opener as they recorded their joint-biggest win under Arteta. The 24-year-old has now scored in back-to-back games for the first time since joining the Gunners from Chelsea in a £65million move over the summer.
Speaking after the game, Merson hailed Havertz as Arsenal's star man despite the fact he feels Arteta is playing him out of position. He told Sky Sports: "Havertz is a confidence player and he's playing with confidence right now.
"I thought he was the best player on the pitch. He was elegant, he picked the right passes and made the right decisions. He's a top player. I don't think he's playing in the right position but he's still a top player."
It is not the first time Merson has criticised Arteta's use of Havertz, with the Gunners legend believing he is better suited in a more advanced role. Speaking after Arsenal's 3-1 win over Burnley earlier this month, Merson said: "I don't think he's a midfield player I think he's a centre forward.
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"He's 6ft 4in, maybe he's a No.10. What he did do and they did well Arsenal they got the ball in the box and he got in the box. He's a big lad I hope he does well I think he's a special player and he's struggling."
Havertz has endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates, but appears to now be hitting his stride. Arteta hailed the German's recent form as he followed up his winner at Brentford with the opening goal against Lens.
Paul Merson hailed Kai Havertz's performance as Arsenal beat Lens 6-0 (Getty)"He is scoring goals, playing well, participating in wins; those are positive attributes," Arteta said in his post-match press conference. "You've seen the reception of his team-mates, the crowd singing his name and being with him in every positive action that he had, those are all good things that are going to help him to show why he's a tremendous player.
The victory means Arsenal have qualified for the knockout stages with a game to spare and Arteta was delighted with his team's performance. "I didn't even dream like this, but we had the chance to qualify today and become top of the group and we've done it in a really convincing way against a really good side," he said.
"I think the team right from the beginning showed a lot of aggression and determination to go for the game, everything happened in the right way especially in the first 30 minutes and that was really helpful to win the game."