Arteta doesn’t know how to coach a big Club, if not why keeping a player like Him on the bench when you want to win games’: Chelsea boss Pochettino calls Arteta a ‘BABYCOACH’ for benching £65m Star in Arsenal yesterday victory

Arteta doesn’t know how to coach a big Club, if not why keeping a player like Him on the bench when you want to win games’: Chelsea boss Pochettino calls Arteta a ‘BABYCOACH’ for benching £65m Star in Arsenal yesterday victory

Former Arsenal player and icon, Paul Merson, has offered his opinion on how Mikel Arteta should utilize Kai Havertz, suggesting a shift to a center-forward position. The debate surrounding Havertz’s optimal position has persisted, despite Arteta predominantly deploying him in midfield.

Known for his versatility, the 24-year-old German can operate as a central midfielder or across the front three. Havertz even demonstrated adaptability by featuring at left-back for Germany in the recent international break. Arsenal, grappling with a lack of a prolific striker, prompts discussions about Havertz taking on the role ahead of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. While Jesus is Arteta’s preferred center-forward, inconsistency and injury susceptibility have cast doubts on his status.

Initially signed by Arteta to play in midfield alongside captain Martin Odegaard, filling the void left by Granit Xhaka’s departure to Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz’s recent display has caught Merson’s attention. Merson lauded Havertz’s center-forward-like movement that resulted in a crucial goal against Brentford, advocating for him to continue in that role.

“This is unbelievable play by Havertz, it is movement at its best,” remarked Sky Sports pundit Merson, praising the player’s confidence and goal-scoring prowess.

Havertz previously occupied the center of a front three during his final two years at Chelsea. Despite occasional criticism for not scoring enough, he only managed seven Premier League goals last season. With Arsenal frequently linked to signing a new striker, potential targets like Ivan Toney from Brentford and Victor Osimhen from Napoli have emerged. However, Arteta downplayed the urgency, stating in October that the team is not actively considering new additions despite current injuries.

As the January transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker remains a topic of speculation. While names circulate, Arteta maintains confidence in the existing attacking options. The team’s ability to secure a top-flight title, a feat not achieved in two decades, hinges on strategic decisions in the transfer market and maximizing the potential of players like Havertz.