Mikel Arteta has insisted he still “loves” Kai Havertz at the end of the German’s nightmare week, which saw him miss excellent opportunities in two costly defeats.
Havertz missed a free header as Arsenal lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final and then produced another poor performance in front of goal as Manchester United knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup on penalties.
Arsenal’s difficulties in scoring from play this season have become well known to the public, and Havertz’s status as Arteta’s preferred striker – the only natural option following Gabriel Jesus’ injury – has appealed to large numbers raised significant questions from Arsenal fans.
However, Arteta remains a strong supporter of Havertz. When asked what he said to the German after the defeat against United, he replied: “To him and to everyone: that I love them, that we all love them. Individually and together they are a joy.”
“What this team does every three days is incredible, no matter what. I’m not going to lose sight of that because of one or two results because we don’t deserve it. Whatever we can do better, we try to do it.” But it’s hard to achieve, it’s an emotional part, it also has something to do with self-confidence.”
Arteta was again asked whether Arsenal could sign a new striker in January but continued to reject calls to enter the transfer market.
“I understand that [question]“But I couldn’t love our players more and we are very focused on the players we need to play at the highest level,” he stressed. “The rest is out of our hands, not in my hands.”