I do not know why so many people do this to themselves. Kai Havertz became a lightning rod for Mikel Arteta’s critics very quickly but going beyond the frankly childish ‘in and out’ brigades battling away behind keyboards and webcams, the German international began to accrue a band of critics that have slunk away faster than any Homer Simpson meme can represent.
It has not been the perfect start to life at Arsenal for Havertz, and concerns raised over his initiation into the project are just and fair to a degree.
I myself have looked with envy toward the impact that the likes of James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai have made at their new clubs and wondered had they joined Arsenal what difference would have been made.
But as we discuss every day on The Arsenal Way and on social media, comments, posts and replies have been filled with reactionary and toxic words which in some sad cases amounted to abuse toward Havertz. Calls for him to be sold, labels of ‘useless’ and a ‘waste of money’ persistently peppering feeds on multiple platforms.
To that, I say, where are these people now and how awful do you feel? The reality is however if you’re willing to abuse a player that pulls on the red and white of your club, I doubt the empathetic ability for self-reflection in one’s actions even exists anyway.
The moment when he battled to keep the ball in the corner certainly showed an invigorated Havertz determined to fight.
want to see a Havertz who shows real willingness to battle against the tide of concern and criticism and show people what he’s capable.
I loved the “Hav that” post he made during the US pre-season tour, more of that, please. It is sure to take more time for him to settle and I understand that but it is clear that thousands of others haven’t so a reprieve that can be brought about by this assist is sure to be a big help.
Next up for the German international and after the break with his country will be his former side, Chelsea. Arsenal have a great recent record at Stamford Bridge where Havertz was on hand to witness the Gunners continually stealing points away from West London.
Can he now continue that fine record and in what capacity? As Thomas Partey returns, question marks over where Havertz will start, if at all, have emerged to showcase the depth that, prior to all the injuries, was a big benefit to Mikel Arteta’s square.
want to see a Havertz who shows real willingness to battle against the tide of concern and criticism and show people what he’s capable of.
Returning to the point, the lay-off to Gabriel Martinelli whose goal secured the Gunners a famous win over Manchester City will, like his penalty before it at Bournemouth, hopefully bring a serious boost of confidence.
Leave a Reply