Arsenal's Kai Havertz faced mixed reviews after his performance against Manchester City during their Premier League clash on Sunday, which ended with the Gunners securing a commanding 5-1 victory.
Havertz, who has been under scrutiny for his recent displays, was highlighted as experiencing a 'confidence crisis' by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. The German forward had numerous opportunities to shine but fell short at key moments during the match, prompting discussions among pundits about his ability to capitalize on scoring chances.
During the game, Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Captain Martin Odegaard scoring the opening goal within just two minutes. Havertz was heavily involved early on, as his decision to pass to Odegaard led to the first goal. "He looked for a second option. He opted to square it to Odegaard," Henry noted, as the Arsenal players built momentum.
Despite this positive contribution, Havertz's subsequent miss would become the focal point of criticism. Just after Odegaard's opener, he had the chance to double the lead following a mistake from City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Instead of finding the back of the net, Havertz rolled the ball wide of the goal, giving other pundits like Gary Neville ample reason to question his confidence. “He didn’t want it! Havertz is having a confidence crisis,” Neville remarked during the match commentary.
The situation was echoed by Jamie Carragher, who claimed, "He has to score! That's a lack of confidence and also lack of quality." The scrutiny grew as Carragher elaborated on Havertz's decision-making process during the match, insisting he missed another significant chance. "That has to be the game! Every striker should feel confident to score from there."
While critics pointed to Havertz’s inability to find the net when it mattered most, it was his effort and tactical awareness which could not be overlooked. Even as Arsenal had to 'park the bus' to avoid defeat after Leandro Trossard’s dismissal, Havertz put forth considerable effort defensively. He may have not completed any passes, but he accumulated more tackles than any player on the pitch, showcasing his work rate and commitment to the team.
"He fought the hardest and was instrumental to Arsenal’s defensive efforts, even when down to ten men. He deserves recognition for his contributions throughout the match," noted some commentators.
Following Erling Haaland's equalizer for City midway through the second half, Havertz managed to redeem himself by scoring the fourth goal, sealing the emphatic victory for Arsenal. This goal earned him praise from Neville, who noted, "It is such a big moment for him! He didn’t have much time to think about it. It’s natural. He capped off his performance well after earlier misses."
Despite the challenges faced during the match, the positivity surrounding the result infused the team with momentum heading forward. Havertz's performance has re-ignited discussions about his potential and the expectations placed upon him as Arsenal’s leading scorer this season.
The presence of Havertz at the heart of Arsenal’s play against Manchester City is telling of Mikel Arteta’s trust and reliance on him as part of the team. Though Havertz's misses early on attracted jeers, they also brought attention to the need for consistency at the top end of the pitch.
Undoubtedly, emotions surrounding Havertz’s efforts are heightened among fans, especially amid talks of Arsenal's need for a dedicated striker. Mikel Arteta has expressed the urgency to boost the squad’s attacking options, especially with injuries affecting key players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka. Reports indicate links to prominent strikers, as the pressure builds on Havertz to improve his scoring efficiency.
Following the match, opinions continue to diverge about Havertz’s long-term potential at Arsenal. Yet, the Gunners’ loyal fanbase remains hopeful, riding the wave of optimism after their substantial win against the champions. Their faith will be tested as the season progresses, and how Havertz reacts to this pivotal moment remains to be seen.