Former Manchester United midfielder, Owen Hargreaves, has leapt to the defence of Kai Havertz while explaining why the much-maligned Arsenal man is actually ‘brilliant’.
Arsenal have lost just twice all season in the Premier League and almost certainly booked their place in the Last 16 of the Champions League after sinking Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night. However, that is scant consolation for many Arsenal fans who believe their club should be well on their way to ending their 20-plus year drought for a Premier League title.
Instead, it’s Liverpool who are on course to be crowned kings of England, with Arne Slot’s side boasting a six-point lead and a game in hand.
Much of the frustration at Arsenal revolves around the club’s lack of a potent 20-goal-per-season striker. It cannot be argued wasteful finishing has cost Arsenal dearly at times this term.
Kai Havertz has been guiltier than most in that regard, with the German once again tasked with playing up front for much of the season.
Havertz has become a lightning rod for criticism and a symbol of the club’s inability to address the bigger issue. Had Arsenal signed an out-and-out striker last summer, Havertz would not be in the crosshairs of the fanbase.
However, Havertz bagged both a goal and assist in the 3-0 victory over Zagreb to bring his goals contribution tally for the season to 18.
While that figure does trail comparable Premier League rivals like Erling Haaland (24 goal contributions) and Alexander Isak (22), it is a superior return when compared to Dominic Solanke (17 goal contributions) and Nicolas Jackson (13).
And speaking to TNT Sports, former Man Utd midfielder, Owen Hargreaves, leapt to the defence of Havertz who in his mind, receives far too much unwarranted criticism.
