Havertz thrives in Arsenal's new line of attack
The Guardian|October 11, 2024
The German is reaping the rewards from leading the line in a manner that lightens the load on his team's star, Saka
Ben McAleer
Havertz thrives in Arsenal's new line of attack

For as long as Bukayo Saka remains so consistent, he will be Arsenal's star. The winger registered his sixth and seventh league assists of the season as the Gunners came from behind to defeat Southampton on Saturday, also scoring his second league goal of the campaign in the process.

Saka ranks among the top 10 players for shots (25), key passes (27) and dribbles (14) in England's top tier this term to really highlight the range to his attacking output. As Arsenal pursue a first Premier League title in more than 20 years, Saka is the main man. However, it is impossible to label Arsenal a one-man team. The 23-year-old is evidently the prized jewel in Mikel Arteta's crown but he is surrounded by others who shine just as bright.

One of those is Kai Havertz, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer as something of an enigma. Largely used as a striker during his time with Chelsea, the German was adamant this wasn't his best position. Arteta thought similar when Havertz moved across the capital, using the 25-year-old in midfield as a replacement for Granit Xhaka, who left for Bayer Leverkusen last year.

This story is from the October 11, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

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This story is from the October 11, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

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