Arsenal's head coach, Mikel Arteta, acknowledges that the exceptional performances of Kai Havertz have compelled him to revise his tactical plans, positioning the German as their primary No.9.
Havertz's Dominance on the Field
Havertz's recent display against Brighton, where he scored and assisted a goal, contributed to Arsenal's 3-0 victory, propelling them to the summit of the Premier League once again. With five goals and four assists in his last seven league appearances, Havertz has become a pivotal figure in Arsenal's attack, trailing only Cole Palmer, who has directly contributed to more goals during this period.
Evolution of Havertz's Role
Since his arrival from Chelsea for £65 million in June 2023, Havertz initially operated in the No.8 position alongside Martin Odegaard. However, following an impressive performance as the central forward in Arsenal's 3-1 triumph over Liverpool in February, Arteta has opted to deploy him as the lead striker.
Arteta's Adapting Approach
In response to inquiries about potentially altering Havertz's position, Arteta responded affirmatively, emphasizing the influence of player dynamics on tactical decisions. He states, "Yes. A lot of times the players decide where they have to play. You can have certain ideas but then you see certain relationships and it flows. When it flows you have to let it go."
Havertz's Natural Fit
Arteta further elaborates on Havertz's suitability for the striker role, highlighting the seamless integration and comfort exhibited by both the player and the team. He notes, "That's what is happening with Kai at the moment, and he feels really comfortable there. The team is really comfortable with him there and the rest has happened naturally."
Impact on the Team
Havertz's contributions extend beyond individual performances, significantly impacting the overall team dynamic. Arteta commends Havertz's consistent excellence, stating, "He's certainly having a huge impact on the team. His overall performances have been really good and now his numbers for goal contributions are really high."
By acknowledging the prowess of Havertz and adapting accordingly, Arteta demonstrates a pragmatic approach aimed at maximizing Arsenal's potential on the field.
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