When Arsenal return to action after the international break, they will be thrust back into the biggest game of their season so far.
Mikel Arteta has spent nearly five years at the Emirates trying to win the Premier League title and he is aware that beating Manchester City in their backyard will make fans believe like never before.
Pep Guardiola’s former assistant has made some big calls during his time as Arsenal boss and has, on occasions, gone against the norm.
From booting out Mesut Ozil in a brutal fashion to shutting off the noise and persuading Granit Xhaka to stay at the club after that infamous moment against Crystal Palace under Unai Emery.
Well, those controversial calls haven’t stopped because the Kai Havertz transfer from Chelsea in the summer was another that sparked debate, including how he was going to be a ‘flop’.
Steve Nicol was a critic and thinks, whilst the Germany international is scoring goals now, it’s as a centre-forward, not a midfield player, as he told ESPN.
The Liverpool legend added that Kai Havertz has proven to people ‘he can’t’ play as a left-sided number eight.
The 24-year-old has scored in four consecutive Premier League matches as a number nine, including scoring for Germany against France.
But, once again, Steve Nicol was keen to point out that it’s all as a centre-forward and Mikel Arteta trying to be ‘clever’ in the summer has backfired.
Kai Havertz in midfield
“Kai Havertz is a good player,” said Nicol. “But not as a left-handed side midfielder.
“I think we need to remember the context behind Kai Havertz. The fact that he is scoring goals now is because he is playing centre-forward, which is what he was bought for when he left Germany to go to Chelsea.
“Arteta was trying to be clever and thought he could get somebody who could play in the middle of the park and go forward then put goals on the end of midfield play as well, which isn’t the case. He’s shown he can’t do that. What he has shown us right now is that his position is upfront or just off the front. Not in the middle of the park.”
Kai Havertz’s form
This is perfect timing for the German, but it needs to continue after the international break.
Arsenal are sitting top of the tree and destiny is in their hands when it comes to becoming champions of England.
But those pressure moments will arrive in the next few months, and just like last season, they have to prove they can get the job done.
One minor slip-up and everyone will be on Arsenal’s case, including players like Havertz.
The post ‘Arteta was trying to be clever’: Steve Nicol says Arsenal 24-year-old isn't good enough in midfield appeared first on HITC.
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