Kai Havertz has endured a tricky start to life in North London since his £65m switch to Arsenal from Chelsea and Mikel Arteta has now been given some advice regarding the German
Chris Sutton suggests that criticism of Arsenal star Kai Havertz is “deeply unfair” but he could still create a “problem” for Mikel Arteta.
The German forward has endured a tricky start to life at the Emirates since his £65m switch from Premier League rivals Chelsea. Havertz has yet to contribute a goal or an assist throughout his opening four competitive appearances.
That has seen him receive plenty of criticism from Gunners fans. Whilst Arteta has insisted that he will forge himself an important role in the Arsenal side, Sutton has suggested that could create a problem throughout the opening weeks of the season.
Speaking on the ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ podcast, the former striker said: “The Havertz saga – I find the Havertz thing really interesting. There are a lot of Arsenal fans who have suddenly become very, very negative in such a short space of time about Havertz, which I think is deeply unfair on him.
“But I don’t think that the Havertz situation is helping Arsenal. He needs time to fit in and develop. I do see this in the early days of being a bit of a problem for Mikel Arteta.”
While Sutton has given Havertz the benefit of the doubt over the opening weeks of his Arsenal career, former Gunners’ wideman Jermaine Pennant is not overly convinced. Speaking to bitcoincasinos, he said: “Kai Havertz is not a number 9.
“He doesn’t score goals, and he’s not a clinical finisher either. Number 10 is probably his best position, but from what I’ve seen, I’m not sure why Arteta has paid big money for him. He probably wouldn’t have got into the team last season, so to me it’s just a really bizarre signing.
“Unless Arteta says after Christmas: ‘Guys, this is why I brought him, look at these stats’, but having seen him for three or four games, I don’t know why Arsenal have bought Kai Havertz – it doesn’t make sense.”
Havertz will be aiming to kickstart his career with Arsenal this weekend as the Gunners aim to extend their unbeaten start to the new season. Arteta’s men welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium before the first international break of the season.
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