Throughout the season, many might have questioned Arsenal’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
But one thing that can’t be argued is the defensive side of their game and how they have turned into absolute machines without the ball.
Owen Hargreaves thinks a player like Kai Havertz has played a huge part in all of that and how he provides Arsenal with ‘something different’, as he told Premier League Productions (26/02/24 at 5:35 pm).
The 24-year-old started Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United at the weekend, playing that central role, by scoring and assisting for his team.
Even though Mikel Arteta’s side were deflated from their midweek Champions League defeat to Porto, they bounced back in some style against European-chasing Newcastle.
The Magpies just couldn’t cope with how the London club were suffocating them in their own defensive third and just wouldn’t allow them to come out and play.
Owen Hargreaves was speaking about Arsenal’s pressing and how Mikel Arteta is loving the work his players are doing without the ball.
Kai Havertz’s performances for Arsenal
“He was brilliant,” said Hargreaves. “He gives them something so different, doesn’t he? Physically, I think, with his size, he can press.
“The intensity of that press from Arsenal was really special. It felt like those great Tottenham and Liverpool teams.
“All the best teams in the world are compact, aren’t they?! Everybody. If we are going to go with Odegaard, if we are going with Kai, then we are all going to go. Declan is going to go, Martinelli is going to go and Kiwior is going to go. Mikel Arteta loves this. They have worked on this.”
Arsenal’s defensive structure
As of this moment, it’s the best in the league, and if it continues that way, then it will lead them to the Premier League title.
Summer signing David Raya, centre-back duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, club-record signing Declan Rice, captain Martin Odegaard and £280k-a-week star Havertz up front are all playing a huge part in the team being a defensive machine.
The opposition just aren’t allowed to play or get out of their shape because they are being eaten alive by the intensity with which Arsenal play.
It was a big reason why Arsenal beat Liverpool at home recently and they are going to need it again for their crucial trip to Manchester City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
