The recent return of Arsenal to the Champions League after seven years was marked with a resounding 4-0 victory against PSV Eindhoven, showcasing their prowess and potential under Mikel Arteta’s guidance. However, with a crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon, attention swiftly shifted to the upcoming clash.
An intriguing point of discussion was the role of Kai Havertz, a significant summer signing for Arsenal. Havertz had been momentarily benched during their league match against Everton, allowing Fabio Vieira to step in. However, Havertz made a strong comeback against PSV, putting in a stellar performance that earned him praise from fans and pundits alike.
His return to the lineup was indeed noteworthy, with a match rating of 7.0 and an impressive 93% passing accuracy rate. Havertz showcased his versatility by excelling in midfield and even filling the lone striker role in the latter stages of the game. His intelligent play and dominance in duels demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer for Arsenal.
The debate arose on whether Havertz should retain his starting position for the upcoming derby against Tottenham. Fabio Vieira, though a promising talent, was seen as potentially lacking the physicality needed to face a robust midfield duo like Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr. Vieira’s previous criticism for being “too weak” in possession raised concerns about his ability to contend effectively in such a high-stakes encounter.
Given Havertz’s imposing stature at 6 feet 4 inches and his ability to bring both physicality and creativity to Arsenal’s midfield, many argued that he should indeed be given the nod over Vieira. Havertz’s physical and creative presence was deemed irreplaceable, especially in a challenging match against a strong Tottenham side.
