Mikel Arteta has offered his support for Kai Havertz in the face of recent criticism from Arsenal’s fan base. The young German player encountered a challenging match against Fulham over the weekend, a performance that invited scrutiny from observers.
A particular instance during the game triggered frustration among Emirates Stadium attendees, as Havertz chose to play a backward pass instead of advancing forward with the ball. This contributed to an overall frustrating match for the player, who exhibited intelligent positioning throughout the game without managing to significantly influence the outcome.
During the post-match press conference, when Arteta was asked whether he was concerned about Arsenal supporters showing disappointment in Havertz at such an early stage, the manager downplayed the situation. He expressed his belief in Havertz’s potential and indicated that with time, the player could excel.
Arteta addressed the specific incident, explaining, “I witnessed a moment where he opted for a backward pass instead of turning forward. This reflects the collective desire for the team to prioritize forward momentum and impact the game in the final third, given the urgency to secure a victory.”
When queried about the likelihood of Havertz winning over the fans, Arteta responded confidently, saying, “Yes, I believe so. He has already demonstrated his capabilities on multiple occasions. Although today presented challenges during certain moments, he managed to position himself well on the field, but unfortunately, the ball did not reach him. He has had numerous opportunities this season where he should have converted goals. This is the area that requires improvement.”
Arteta’s backing of Havertz highlights his faith in the player’s ability to adapt and contribute positively to the team, despite the initial setbacks and criticisms he has faced.
