Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Kai Havertz, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Joe Adams
Topics: Kai Havertz, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Premier League, Football
Mikel Arteta could follow the blueprint set by Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland to get the best out of Kai Havertz next season.
Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea last month in a deal worth a reported £65 million, notched his first goal for the Gunners in Wednesday night's 5-0 win over the MLS All-stars.
The Germany international arrived at the back-post in the 88th minute to lash home a volley, scoring his side's fifth goal of the evening.
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The goal may have helped slay a few demons too, after he failed to score a single goal in the Cross and Volley challenge prior to kick-off.
Arteta recently admitted he was unsure of Havertz's best position, with the 24-year-old often deployed as a No. 9 or wide player at Stamford Bridge. Whilst he has been tipped to play as part of a midfield three at Arsenal.
“We will see. We have to see how he adapts and obviously get to know each other and build relationships," Arteta said after the Gunners' 1-1 draw with FC Nurnberg last week.
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"Football is about that and time will tell where he fits in best.”
However, the Gunners boss has since revealed how he may utilise Havertz for the upcoming campaign.
Arteta could repeat Erling Haaland 'trick'
Cast your minds back to April. Arsenal were still in contention for the Premier League title and needed to beat Manchester City at the Etihad to reclaim top spot.
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To the Gunners' disappointment, they were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Guardiola's side, who used Haaland as the focal point of their attack.
The 6ft 4 Norwegian was used as an old-fashioned target man to hold off defenders and play in his teammates, finishing the game with one goal and two assists.
Arteta has now spoken about how he may do something similar with Havertz next season.
Speaking after the Gunners' win over the best of the MLS, Arteta said: "He [Havertz] gives us something different.
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"His height for example where he can be a target man if we need to beat the press. He’s playing an attacking midfield position for now but I’m sure throughout the season he’ll be used in different positions."