Arsenal’s attacking issues were at the forefront of Mikel Arteta’s problems once again, this time resulting in their FA Cup defeat to Liverpool.
Despite dominating for large parts of the game, especially in the first half, not only did Arsenal get dumped out of the FA Cup, but they failed to score.
What’s even worrying for the out-of-form side is that it was their own doing rather than Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker making top save after top save.
With Gabriel Jesus injured and Eddie Nketiah on the bench, Kai Havertz started and played 88 minutes against the Reds, but failed to impress again.
Gary Lineker spoke about the big-money summer signing playing as a number nine and how he ‘doesn’t look like a natural’, as he told BBC One.
From taking a poor first touch, taking too long to shoot, poor decision-making or just a lack of conviction when he does shoot.
Kai Havertz lacked it all against Liverpool and, understandably so, came under a lot of heat from his own fans as their poor form continued.
Kai Havertz struggles for Arsenal
“We talked about Kai Havertz playing up front before the start of the game,” said Lineker. “Well, he has had his opportunities.
“He doesn’t look like a natural number nine, that’s for sure.”
Pressure on Kai Havertz
The issue with Havertz is that there was already pressure on his shoulders and questions being asked before he could step into Arsenal’s room.
And given that the £280k-a-week star isn’t convincing months into joining, then it only adds to the pressure and provides critics with more fuel.
At the end of the day, he should be judged when the final ball is kicked in May. That’s where it matters.
Yes, Arsenal aren’t playing well now, but this could be a case of a blessing in disguise and the possibility that their blip has come much earlier this time around and it allows them to recover heading into the final few months of the season.
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