04 February 2024 , 19:04
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has continued to trust in Kai Havertz during an up-and-down season for the German international, but pundit Gary Neville has been left baffled by the situation.
Neville was on co-commentary duty for the Gunners' Premier League game at home to Liverpool, where Havertz started up front in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus. The former Chelsea man was involved in his team's opener, racing through but failing to beat Alisson in a one-on-one, only for Bukayo Saka to put away the rebound.
That wasn't the moment pounced on by Neville, though. The former Manchester United defender questioned Havertz's instincts as a striker after his movement ensured a separate promising attack didn't end with an Arsenal goal.
It didn't end up mattering on the day, with Arsenal running out 3-1 winners. In the long term, though, Arteta may be provided with some food for thought.
"How many times this season have I seen and am going to see an Arsenal centre forward who isn’t actually a centre forward arrive too late in the box when the cross comes in?" Neville asked. "It’s so frustrating to watch, it’s Havertz who comes in late on his heels - he needs to be there earlier. He needs to get across his man, he’s in no-man's-land, he’ll never be found by Saka in the position he’s in."
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Arsenal's attacking options have come into sharp focus this season, with Arteta appearing to view Havertz and winger Leandro Trossard as options as a nine. Recognised striker Eddie Nketiah was named on the bench despite Jesus' injury, and remained there as the Gunners changed things further up the pitch.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been mentioned as a potential addition, and the England international will be able to show what he can do against Manchester City on Monday. On this occasion, though, Havertz's apparent deficiencies didn't end up holding Arsenal back.
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Arsenal beat Liverpool but Havertz wasn't among the goals (PA)Arteta's team were dominant in the first half, only to go in level at the break when a Gabriel own goal cancelled out Saka's opener. They absorbed Liverpool pressure in the second period, though, and went ahead as Gabriel Martinelli pounced on a defensive mix-up to roll the ball into an empty net.
Liverpool weren't completely out of it, even after Ibrahima Konate was sent off for a second yellow card. However, the points were eventually made safe in second-half stoppage time when substitute Trossard powered his effort beyond visiting keeper Alisson.
The victory brings Arsenal within two points of Liverpool, with both having played 23 games. However, Manchester City can go top if they win their two games in hand, both of which happen to be against Brentford.