Kai Havertz Proving Arsenal Can Compete for Title Without New Striker

Arsenal vs Aston Villa: A Tactical Analysis

In the last encounter between Arsenal and Aston Villa, manager Mikel Arteta made a risky decision by repositioning key players. Although Kai Havertz had been performing exceptionally as Arsenal's central striker, scoring four goals and providing four assists in just six games, he was pushed back to an attacking midfield role. This surprising shift allowed Gabriel Jesus, who had not scored in over two months, to take the lead as the No. 9.

Arteta's Bold Tactics Backfire

This bold decision by Arteta arose from a desire to alter a winning structure—one that had delivered five victories in six games, marred only by a goalless draw against title rivals, Manchester City. However, this strategy backfired spectacularly during their match against Villa where Arsenal’s offense, which had previously netted 19 goals in six outings, floundered. The statistics backed up this lack of effectiveness, as they squandered a first-half expected goals (xG) total of 1.32. Villa capitalized on Arsenal’s poor performance and secured a 2-0 victory.

Aftermath: Lessons Learned

That defeat marked the only league loss for Arsenal in 2024, impacting their title chase significantly. Following the match, Arteta re-evaluated his tactics, returning to the setup that had previously brought success, reinstating Jesus to the bench and returning Havertz to the front.

The Importance of a Reliable Attack

Going into this weekend's confrontation with Villa, the stakes are high. Arteta needs to ensure that such costly mistakes are not repeated. The focus is increasingly on the need for Arsenal to bolster their attacking lineup, with discussions around acquiring a new striker like Benjamin Sesko. However, Havertz has more than proven his worth after adapting to his role effectively. Since joining Arsenal, he has participated in 14 Premier League games as a central striker, accumulating a remarkable 17 goals and assists.

Havertz's Evolution and Impact

In contrast to last season, where Havertz took until November to score his first goal from open play, this season has already seen him net a goal and provide an assist against Wolves. Arteta acknowledges that it takes time for players to adjust to their new environments and systems. The transformation in Havertz's confidence is undeniable; his performance indicates that he is thriving in a central forward role.

Strategic Restructuring

Havertz's increased productivity is shown by enhanced stats since switching back to the No. 9 role, taking more shots per game with superior shot accuracy. This change has led to a dynamic offensive capability for Arsenal, as reflected in his impactful contributions at the end of last season and the start of this one.

Strength in Depth

Aside from Havertz, Gabriel Jesus is also expected to make a significant impact this season. Arteta praised Jesus's renewed energy and determination, hinting at a strong performance ahead. "His energy was different, the way he looks is different, the way he's moving is different, and he really wants it—finding consistency is key,” said Arteta after the Brazilian's impressive display against Bayer Leverkusen.

Looking Ahead

With Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah also in the mix as potential center forwards, Arsenal appears to have a solid attacking front for the new season. Arteta's faith in Havertz, Jesus, and Trossard is evident as they aim to rectify past errors and push for the title.

Conclusion

As Arsenal approaches another key match against Aston Villa, it will be crucial for Arteta to employ a tactical strategy that maximizes the talents of his forwards. The collective strength of Havertz, Jesus, and Trossard could guide them to a successful outcome, potentially altering the trajectory of their title aspirations this season.