How Kai Havertz's adaptability helped Arsenal beat Liverpool

Here's Thomas Dow on Kai Havertz as Arsenal’s Swiss Army Knife Shows his Value Against Liverpool



How Kai Havertz's adaptability helped Arsenal beat Liverpool

Kai Havertz tackles Alexis Mac Allister during Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday. CREDIT: Charlotte Wilson / Offside.


Kai Havertz has had something of an interesting settling in period during his time at Arsenal, writes Thomas Dow for the Gooner Fanzine. 

His signing from Chelsea in the summer was much-maligned and it’s fair to say his Arsenal career has been a mixed bag to say the least.

At times he’s shown his true capabilities whilst at others he’s appeared to be a square peg in a round hole.

During Sunday's 3-1 win over Liverpool, he demonstrated both the good but also the limitations of what he can do.

His clever movement and physicality was a constant menace to both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate but again we saw his lack of cutting edge in the final third.

When Martin Odegaard played him through in the thirteenth minute, Havertz saw his shot saved by Alisson, only for it to be followed up by Bukayo Saka for the opening goal.

His movement to find the space was exceptional, but his finishing once again showed why he is not a traditional centre forward.

Havertz continued to cause Liverpool problems throughout the game, and his persistence ultimately led to the sending off of Konate.

During his time at the club, he has of course operated largely as a left eight, yet whenever he is questioned with regards to his output, the comparisons are always to that of traditional strikers or number tens.

He should be looking to match or better the contributions produced by the previous incumbent of the role, Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss International got seven goals in the league last season, and Havertz has contributed four whilst adapting to a new role.

Often Havertz is a nuisance to the opposition without applying that end product.

He is adaptable though and if the expectation of 20-30 goals is negated, then he is a valuable asset to have.

He might not have scored on Sunday, but his contribution was significant. 

 


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