Arsenal fans are voicing their frustrations after a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that saw the Gunners miss an opportunity to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. Despite recent victories over Manchester United and West Ham, the draw highlights lingering inconsistencies, and supporters are targeting Kai Havertz as a key figure in their disappointment.
Match Summary:
- Raul Jimenez put Fulham ahead in the first half, capitalizing on defensive lapses.
- William Saliba leveled the score for Arsenal with a well-taken header from a set piece.
- Bukayo Saka thought he had secured the win late on, but his goal was ruled out by VAR due to Gabriel Martinelli’s offside position.
- Arsenal dominated possession and created chances, but their inability to convert opportunities left fans frustrated.
Fan Criticism of Kai Havertz:
The German forward, deployed as Arsenal’s central striker, is under increasing scrutiny:
- Despite assisting Saliba’s equalizer, Havertz struggled to assert his presence in the box.
- Fulham fans taunted him with chants of “Chelsea reject” as he was substituted.
- Arsenal supporters took to social media, expressing concerns about his performances:
- “Havertz is not good enough. We need a proper center forward desperately.”
- “Every ball into the box and Havertz is nowhere to be seen; it’s so frustrating.”
Havertz has managed five goals in 14 league appearances this season, but many believe that his performances lack the clinical edge required of a top-tier striker. While Mikel Arteta has previously backed Havertz to be a 20-goal-a-season player, a growing section of the fanbase disagrees.
Calls for Change:
Fans are urging Arteta to reconsider Havertz’s role in the team:
- Striker Reinforcements: Suggestions for Arsenal to target a natural center forward in the January transfer window.
- Formation Adjustment: Calls for Gabriel Jesus or another player to take the central role, with Havertz either shifted to a deeper position or benched.
Bigger Picture:
Arsenal’s title challenge remains alive, but dropped points in matches like this are concerning, particularly against mid-table opponents. With Liverpool maintaining their strong form, the Gunners must quickly address their inconsistencies if they aim to stay in contention.
Arteta now faces the challenge of balancing squad rotation, tactical tweaks, and transfers to ensure Arsenal’s momentum doesn’t falter further.