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Technical ability, spatial awareness and football IQ – historically, there has always been room for a player who possesses these qualities at Arsenal, who left it late to deal Manchester United an almighty blow following two late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus. But at this moment in time, things feel very different in the case of Kai Havertz. Mikel Arteta has called for patience amongst supporters with their \u00a365million signing and while we are only four matches into his Arsenal career, it is true that he needs time to adapt to his new surroundings and to the Gunners’ tactical blueprint.<\/p>\n
But there is no getting away from the fact Havertz looks an awkward fit for Arsenal’s system. They’re yet to totally nail the proposition of playing with two No.8s – something that Arteta and Pep Guardiola mastered during their time working together at Manchester City when David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne pulled the strings.<\/p>\n
Captain Martin Odegaard has continued to flourish while Rice takes care of business as the single pivot, mopping up counter-attacks and turning the ball over.<\/p>\n
Havertz, meanwhile looks a tad like a lost puppy despite flashes of promise. At times you do not notice that he is on the field and the timing of his forward runs leaves a lot to be desired when Arsenal swing crosses into the box.<\/p>\n
He fluffed a glorious chance in the opening stages of the game and you could see the miss weighed heavy upon his shoulders as he chased a moment of relief. There is no doubt he will be feeling the pressure amid recent criticism.<\/p>\n
With Thomas Partey now said to be absent for up to two months with a groin injury, Havertz’s place in the team seems safe for now and Arteta has shown he is willing to persist with the German despite his lack of form.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag fumes at Antony during tense Arsenal clash[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n With Thomas Partey now said to be absent for up to two months with a groin injury, Havertz’s place in the team seems safe for now and Arteta has shown he is willing to persist with the German despite his lack of form.<\/p>\n But there will come a time where he will need to step up and deliver following his big-money transfer from Chelsea particularly in matches of this magnitude.<\/p>\n If Arsenal wish to go one better and gazump Manchester City to the Premier League title there will be little margin for error moving forward.<\/p>\n City look as strong as they’ve ever been despite losing Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte and Arsenal need to continue their evolution.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Whether Havertz is the man to help them achieve that is another question altogether but it’s evident he will have to get to grips with this Arsenal setup as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n It’s worth pointing out that following the demise of Mesut Ozil, Arsenal were crying out for a player of Havertz’s skillset. A natural creator, hub and orchestrator that can be built around.<\/p>\n Odegaard is now that man and he is arguably the most important player in Arsenal’s system. Had Havertz arrived prior to the Norwegian, he might just have been as integral. In some ways, he is the right signing at the wrong time.<\/p>\n Some will rightfully point out that Odegaard is currently operating at a different level altogether. That is undoubtedly the case.<\/p>\n There is also a side argument that Arsenal may have been better off investing the cash they splashed on Havertz to strengthen other areas of their squad.<\/p>\n They now look light on the ground in defensive midfield following Partey’s injury which will only increase the expectation on Havertz.<\/p>\n The permanent departure of Rob Holding has already decreased Arsenal’s squad depth at centre-back, even if the time had come to move Holding on.<\/p>\n Jurrien Timber’s injury has been damaging for the Gunners and as last season showed, injuries can change the picture.<\/p>\n Holding was nowhere near the required level but he was a regular starter at the end of the season when absences took their toll on Arteta’s squad.<\/p>\n At this given moment, there is no concrete evidence to suggest Arsenal are a better side than they were last season and while it’s still early days, their transfer business will be subjected to scrutiny.<\/p>\n So far, Havertz’s best football in an Arsenal\u00a0shirt has come as a false-nine when he was a major goal threat in the Community Shield against Manchester City.<\/p>\n It looks like a case of square peg, round hole but Arteta will maintain confidence he will be able to get the best from his German attacking midfielder despite a difficult start to life in north London.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4941250.jpg?r=1693762361565\")
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