Mikel Arteta has been explained why Kai Havertz is so important for Arsenal in their Premier League match against Liverpool this Saturday. The Gunners will be seeking to remain top of the table in 2024, and avoiding loss to Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield will be critical to that goal.
PHOTO; Mikel Arteta
Manchester City and Liverpool are just one point behind Arsenal, although the defending champions will have a game in hand after the weekend’s play due to their participation in the Club World Cup.
As a result, the victor of Saturday’s game might build up a substantial margin at the top, albeit a draw would likely suit both parties with many months yet to play.
Last season, when the Gunners were on the verge of winning the league, they let a two-goal lead slip at Anfield before going on a four-game winless streak, thereby ruining their championship chances. However, the Arsenal team that will go to Merseyside in a few days is radically different from the one that drew 2-2 in April earlier this year.
PHOTO; Kai Havert
First and foremost, William Saliba is fit and available, whereas Arteta had to rely on Rob Holding in last season’s match. Arsenal also made key summer signings, including Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, David Raya, and Havertz.
Rice has been consistently excellent since joining from West Ham, whereas Timber suffered a catastrophic knee injury on his Premier League debut. Raya and Havertz, on the other hand, have had a rocky start to their careers at Emirates Stadium, but the latter is beginning to make an impression.
The Germany international has scored four goals in his previous six games across all competitions, and former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre feels he will be crucial to Arsenal’s chances of returning to London with any points.
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