Ally McCoist observed Kai Havertz’s tactical awareness and effectiveness during Arsenal’s dominant first-half performance against Newcastle United on Saturday.
As the Gunners asserted their authority in the ongoing Premier League title race, Havertz’s contributions stood out, with Arsenal showcasing their superiority by surging ahead with a commanding 4-0 lead.
Havertz’s versatility and ability to unsettle opposition defenses have been evident in his performances, particularly when deployed in a forward role. His knack for posing challenging questions to opposing center-backs often proves pivotal for Arsenal’s attacking prowess.
Against Newcastle, Havertz not only found the back of the net but also provided an assist, showcasing his multifaceted contributions. McCoist, speaking on TNT Sports, noted Havertz’s intelligent movement just before halftime, highlighting his propensity to drop deeper into midfield areas, often deeper than his midfield counterparts.
This movement poses a significant dilemma for opposition defenders, such as Botman and Schar, as Havertz’s ability to drift into pockets of space makes it challenging for them to track his movements effectively. As McCoist pointed out, Havertz’s ability to seamlessly transition between positions and exploit spaces effectively adds an additional dimension to Arsenal’s attacking play, underscoring his effectiveness in the role he played against Newcastle.
Prove the audience wrong
Havertz initially joined Arsenal with reservations about playing as a striker, stemming from his struggles at Chelsea. However, under Arteta’s guidance, he has flourished in a new role that maximizes his strengths. The attacking runs of Saka and Martinelli provide Havertz with space to drop between the opposition’s defensive and midfield lines, allowing him to create opportunities and wreak havoc.
Despite initial doubts, Havertz has silenced critics by becoming one of Arsenal’s top scorers in the league, just behind Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard in goals. Finally, Arteta deserves significant praise for recognizing and unlocking Havertz’s potential, especially considering his previous challenges at Stamford Bridge.