"Havertz gives us something very different": Arteta

Pre-season seems to be going smoothly for Arsenal. Most recently, the Gunners hammered five past the MLS All-Stars on Wednesday night, with new signings Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz all getting game time with their new squad.

They look to have incorporated themselves well, with Havertz even rounding off the scoring in the 89th minute, something that manager Mikel Arteta was very pleased with: "They are [settling in] and we have to find that fluidity within the game, and those relationships. That's something that is difficult to predict as a coach what's going to work, but sometimes whether it's on the pitch or sitting at the table, they find that chemistry between them".

"Especially, in the first half, the way we started, we were a bit suffocated with the weather, and we started to give too many simple balls away, and we could not really control the game", he continued.

"But it was true that we were exceptional in both boxes today; every time we were in the final third in good positions, we put the ball in the back of the net, and we have to defend moments in those transitions when we give the ball away. I think we defended really well as well".

The Spaniard is leaving his options open about the new arrival from Chelsea, who played as the Blues' '9' but will likely feature more in Arsenal's midfield, alongside Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard, probably to his relief.

"Havertz gives us something very different with his quality and size. When you have to beat the press for example and use him as a target man", Arteta said. "So, we will see - for now, he's playing in the attacking-midfield position, but I'm sure throughout the season and throughout games as well, we're going to have the options to play him in different positions."

 

July 20, 2023