Kai Havertz’s substitution for Eddie Nketiah against Manchester City yesterday drew rave reviews from Arsenal veteran Ian Wright.
Havertz was essential in the victory, according to Wright, who was talking on the “Wrighty’s House” podcast.
The former Arsenal player believed that Havertz made for a much better focal point than Nketiah, who at times was too wide.
Additionally, Mikel Arteta might benefit more from starting Havertz for Arsenal than Nketiah, according to Wright’s remarks.
And do you know what? We might not achieve that [objective] if he [Havertz] doesn’t go in there and lay it back down.
Since Eddie put in a lot of work today and made a lot of runs, he was at fault for some of the times.
However, there are instances in which you can tell by looking at the build-up that the character is either too far to the right if the action is on the right, or too much to the left if it is on the left.
And all you need is that body, that focal point in the middle, where Thomas Partey can chip in and make sure that it is anchored by his chest before being laid off again.
Adding, “And I think Kai Havertz coming on and doing that was absolutely brilliant for us today.”
Wright believed Arteta’s substitution of Havertz for Nketiah for Arsenal came just in time.
Before the game, many Arsenal supporters demanded that Havertz be given more opportunities to play as a striker.
It’s unusual to claim that Havertz’s best performances while wearing an Arsenal jersey all occurred against Manchester City.
And a big reason for that is that those are the only games in which he’s played as a striker for extended stretches.
Nketiah worked really hard to make room for Havertz to assist Arsenal win the game, so Wright wasn’t exaggerating the part he had played.
However, it appears that Wright believes Havertz can now succeed in a more advanced role given how frequently he played at Chelsea.