Key Takeaways
- Arsenal have lost attacking fluency, giving the ball away too often in forward areas.
- Kai Havertz’s hold-up play and aerial strength offer Arteta a safer option than Viktor Gyokeres.
- With Bukayo Saka hurt, the German could start up front at the Etihad on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s forwards are firing blanks at the worst possible time. Arsenal scraped past Sporting on Wednesday, yet their passing in the final third was sloppy and slow. The problem is not just attitude; it is technique.
Data shows Viktor Gyokeres loses the ball 43 % of the time he touches it. Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are little better. When the trio start together, Arsenal have won only two of the last six matches. The side need a calmer head up front.
Kai Havertz gave them exactly that after coming on in mid-week. In 35 minutes he won more headers than anyone else and completed 15 passes, three times Gyokeres’ tally. His record over the past two league seasons underlines the gap: Havertz keeps the ball, links play and stretches defences.
Arteta may have little choice but to turn to the German on Sunday. Saka’s knock and Madueke’s own fitness doubt leave gaps on the right, while City’s high press feasts on loose touches. Starting Havertz through the middle would allow Arsenal to settle on the ball and relieve pressure on their back line.
Even a point at the Etihad would keep the title race in Arsenal’s hands. To get it, they must first fix an attack that has forgotten how to keep the ball.