“Kai Havertz should start against Everton, here is why” The reasons Mikel Arteta should start Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s clash against Everton

“Kai Havertz should start against Everton, here is why” The reasons Mikel Arteta should start Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s clash against Everton

The reasons Mikel Arteta should start Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s clash against Everton
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta needs to continue starting Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s trip to Goodison Park this weekend

Kai Havertz during an Arsenal game.
Mikel Arteta should start Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s clash against Everton. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
When Kai Havertz left Chelsea for Arsenal during the summer transfer window, he arrived with fairly high expectations.

Despite struggling for consistency during his time at Stamford Bridge, the German international cost the Gunners £65million, the third-highest transfer fee in the club’s history. Fast forward less than three months and some supporters are already urging Mikel Arteta to drop him for Sunday’s Premier League clash away to Everton.

Goodison Park has been something of a bogey ground for Arteta during his near-four-year stint as Gunners boss so fans are, perhaps understandably, wary of starting an out-of-form Havertz this weekend. However, a little look at their recent trips to Merseyside actually shows why the 24-year-old is needed in midfield.

Last season, the Toffees fielded Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Idrissa Gueye in the centre of the park, a trio that possesses a notable amount of physicality, running power and intelligent reading of the game. Sean Dyche’s midfield stifled the Gunners in central areas, blocking off vertical passes between the lines, in turn forcing Arteta’s side out wide.

Dyche may very well opt to start those three again come Sunday, which is exactly why it makes sense to play Havertz. Some fans have been urging Arteta to bring in talented playmaker Fabio Vieira for the trip up north.

The Portugal Under-21 international has delivered a few excellent performances from the bench in recent weeks, providing assists against Fulham and Manchester United. Therefore, it makes sense to reward him by handing him a start, but not yet.

READ NEXT: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE – Martin Odegaard contract, Partey return, Tierney admission

Vieira is a hugely talented creator but his physicality is not what is required against a Dyche midfield. His diminutive stature would make him a prime target for Everton in the duels and second balls, areas that Havertz actually thrives in.

The German international has registered 3.8 ball recoveries and 5.2 successful duels per 90 minutes so far this term, as per Sofascore, with 2 of those duels coming from aerial battles. Comparatively, Vieira has managed 1.5 recoveries and 1 successful duel per game (none aerially).

Of course, this is a slightly unfair comparison considering the latter’s sample size is much smaller but the eye test will tell you that Vieira’s strengths don’t come out of possession. As previously alluded Havertz’s aerial prowess can also be a huge asset to beat the opposition press.

If the Goodison crowd are rocking, Everton may look to press high at certain stages of the match depending on the game state. If the short pass isn’t on, the Arsenal defenders always have the option of kicking it long to Havertz.

The 24-year-old boasted a 57.2% success rate in aerial duels last term, according to fbref, ranking higher than the likes of Tomas Soucek, Harry Maguire, Ivan Toney and the aforementioned Onana. Havertz’s willingness to compete physically off the ball could be crucial for the Gunners if they are to banish their previous Merseyside hoodoos.

There is no doubt there will be times when Vieira’s creative prowess is needed this season but for a man who has made it no secret of his hatred for losing duels, Arteta would be best served to stick with Havertz for this game.

How do you think Arsenal should line-up against Everton? Pick the team below…

The reasons Mikel Arteta should start Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s clash against Everton
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta needs to continue starting Kai Havertz for Arsenal’s trip to Goodison Park this weekend

Kai Havertz during an Arsenal game.
Mikel Arteta should start Kai Havertz in Arsenal’s clash against Everton. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
When Kai Havertz left Chelsea for Arsenal during the summer transfer window, he arrived with fairly high expectations.

Despite struggling for consistency during his time at Stamford Bridge, the German international cost the Gunners £65million, the third-highest transfer fee in the club’s history. Fast forward less than three months and some supporters are already urging Mikel Arteta to drop him for Sunday’s Premier League clash away to Everton.

Goodison Park has been something of a bogey ground for Arteta during his near-four-year stint as Gunners boss so fans are, perhaps understandably, wary of starting an out-of-form Havertz this weekend. However, a little look at their recent trips to Merseyside actually shows why the 24-year-old is needed in midfield.

Last season, the Toffees fielded Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Idrissa Gueye in the centre of the park, a trio that possesses a notable amount of physicality, running power and intelligent reading of the game. Sean Dyche’s midfield stifled the Gunners in central areas, blocking off vertical passes between the lines, in turn forcing Arteta’s side out wide.

Dyche may very well opt to start those three again come Sunday, which is exactly why it makes sense to play Havertz. Some fans have been urging Arteta to bring in talented playmaker Fabio Vieira for the trip up north.

The Portugal Under-21 international has delivered a few excellent performances from the bench in recent weeks, providing assists against Fulham and Manchester United. Therefore, it makes sense to reward him by handing him a start, but not yet.

READ NEXT: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE – Martin Odegaard contract, Partey return, Tierney admission

Vieira is a hugely talented creator but his physicality is not what is required against a Dyche midfield. His diminutive stature would make him a prime target for Everton in the duels and second balls, areas that Havertz actually thrives in.

The German international has registered 3.8 ball recoveries and 5.2 successful duels per 90 minutes so far this term, as per Sofascore, with 2 of those duels coming from aerial battles. Comparatively, Vieira has managed 1.5 recoveries and 1 successful duel per game (none aerially).

Of course, this is a slightly unfair comparison considering the latter’s sample size is much smaller but the eye test will tell you that Vieira’s strengths don’t come out of possession. As previously alluded Havertz’s aerial prowess can also be a huge asset to beat the opposition press.

If the Goodison crowd are rocking, Everton may look to press high at certain stages of the match depending on the game state. If the short pass isn’t on, the Arsenal defenders always have the option of kicking it long to Havertz.

The 24-year-old boasted a 57.2% success rate in aerial duels last term, according to fbref, ranking higher than the likes of Tomas Soucek, Harry Maguire, Ivan Toney and the aforementioned Onana. Havertz’s willingness to compete physically off the ball could be crucial for the Gunners if they are to banish their previous Merseyside hoodoos.

There is no doubt there will be times when Vieira’s creative prowess is needed this season but for a man who has made it no secret of his hatred for losing duels, Arteta would be best served to stick with Havertz for this game.

How do you think Arsenal should line-up against Everton? Pick the team below…