Havertz must play major role in "defining" game against Liverpool's key weapon

23 December 2023 , 13:13

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Havertz must play major role in "defining" game against Liverpool's key weapon

Martin Keown believes Arsenal's trip to Liverpool can prove to be a "defining game" for Kai Havertz, who must endeavour to halt Trent Alexander-Arnold's influence.

The Gunners head to Anfield seek a first win on Merseyside in over a decade on Saturday night. The Gunners have impressed so far this term and picked up big results against some of their major rivals. They ended their poor run against Manchester City and must now do so against Liverpool if they want to be top on Christmas.

Alexander-Arnold has excelled against the north Londoners and his hybrid midfield role gives him even more freedom in the attacking third. Havertz, who is not renowned for his defensive brain, has been called upon to stop the right-back if Arsenal are to get the result they want.

Keown wrote in the Daily Mail: "This is a defining game for Havertz, in particular. He looks like he has turned a corner in terms of his creativity of late, but he will be up against Trent Alexander-Arnold when the Liverpool man moves into midfield from his inverted right-back position.

"Alexander-Arnold has six Premier League assists against Arsenal — more than against any other opponents — and most of those were registered from wide areas. Now playing centrally, he is doing even more damage. A player with his vision cannot be allowed time and space.

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"When Alexander-Arnold steps inside from Havertz’s side of the pitch, he needs shutting down. Liverpool love to flood the midfield and, as talented as he is, Rice cannot pick up everyone while trying to protect Saliba and Gabriel."

Kai Havertz will have to do a job defensively if Arsenal are to win at Anfield

Havertz is still out to justify his £70m switch from Chelsea in the summer. He endured a lengthy wait for a first Arsenal goal and the debate over his best position raged on. In recent weeks he's begun stepping up in big moments and will need to do so again at Anfield.

Manager Arteta was playing in midfield when Arsenal last won at Liverpool. He helped Arsene Wenger's men secure a 2-0 win in 2012 with Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla scoring for the north Londoners, who have been dealt some harsh lessons since that success.

Samuel Meade