Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz to win over the Arsenal crowd (Picture: Hayters TV)
Mikel Arteta has backed Kai Havertz to overcome a difficult start to his Arsenal career and win over the fans who already appear to be turning on the summer signing from Chelsea.
Eyebrows were raised when Arteta sanctioned a £65million deal to sign a player who had largely underwhelmed during three turbulent years at Stamford Bridge.
Havertz has largely operated in the position vacated by Granit Xhaka so far this season but has failed to come to terms with the demands of an unfamiliar role.
After subdued displays against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, Havertz was again on the periphery during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Fulham and was substituted just 10 minutes into the second half.
Asked if he felt the home crowd were already beginning to get on Havertz’s back, Arteta said: ‘I saw an action when he played backwards and he could’ve turned.
Kai Havertz has endured an underwhelming start to his Arsenal career (Picture: Getty)
‘But that’s more the demands of everybody to play forward and impact the game in the final third because we need the urgency to win.’
Pressed as to whether he remains confident that Havertz can win over his doubters, Arteta added: Yes I think so and I think he’s done already really good things.
‘Today it was tough for him in certain moments. He got in great areas again today and the ball didn’t arrive and a lot of situations he should’ve scored a lot of goals already this season and that is the thing that is missing.’
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Arteta’s side ultimately surrendered their 100% start to the season when they gifted Joao Paulinha a goal from a corner with three minutes remaining, having also conceded in the opening minute of an incident packed London derby.
‘We have this situation a thousand times in football [for the first goal],’ added Arteta. ‘We gave the ball away in a really dangerous area and it was a really cool finish.
‘We have to show another level of commitment and desire and ‘over my dead body’. With 10 men, you cannot concede a goal.’
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‘I think he’s done already really good things.’