Arsenal and Mikel Arteta aren’t panicking about Kai Havertz’s start at the club, and they continue to believe he’s an important player for them.
Fabrizio Romano reports that though it hasn’t been the easiest start for Kai Havertz at Arsenal, the former Chelsea player isn’t generating any panic behind the scenes at his new club.
Mikel Arteta intends to trust and support the midfielder, and everyone at the club feels the same.
Arsenal believe Havertz is an important player, and he’ll be protected by the club.
Speaking to the media last week, following Arsenal’s game against PSV, Arteta was complimentary of Havertz.
“He was very connected today in the game,” Arteta said. “It’s true that I ask him to play in two different roles in regard to the opponent’s behaviours. He’s so intelligent the way he does it.
“It’s just finishing one or two actions that we had again, but it’s coming and he’s so willing to do it.”
One thing that could certainly help Havertz at Arsenal would be spending more time on the pitch alongside Gabriel Jesus.
The two started together against PSV Eindhoven, in what was one of Havertz’s better performances for Arsenal, linking up well on a few occasions. But they’ve only spent 42 minutes on the pitch together in the Premier League so far.
Even then, the bulk of those minutes were in Sunday’s game against Tottenham Hotspur, with Jesus having to shift out to the left in the absence of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
If and when Arsenal are back to their full complement, we’re likely to see Jesus back in a central role, and that could help to bring the best out of Havertz behind him.