Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has criticised Kai Havertz for not being a natural striker after Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup at home.
Arsenal squandered their chances of a win over Manchester United in the FA Cup third round after a flurry of chances and the Red Devils were reduced to 10 men after the first hour, but could only manage a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes before losing on penalties and crashing out of the competition at home.
Kai Havertz came under heavy criticism in this match after having two close-range chances but incredibly missing the target and was the only one to miss a penalty in the deciding moment.
Richards said after the game: “The difference between Arsenal winning the league or winning games like this is just having a centre-forward.”
“Kai Havertz has played well หากคุณสนใจเล่นพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุด สามารถสมัครสมาชิก UFABET ได้ที่นี่ พร้อมรับโปรโมชั่นพิเศษสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ this season. But he’s not a natural striker. He’s more like a number 10.”
“Arsenal should have won this game but it didn’t happen. You have to take the chances that come your way. That’s a bigger concern for Arsenal.”
It’s become evident in recent weeks that without Bukayo Saka, Arsenal struggle to score enough goals.
Gabriel Jesus sustained a serious injury against United on Sunday, which could exacerbate the Gunners’ issues up front.
However, former player and now pundit Micah Richards has made the bold claim that Arteta’s team don’t necessarily need a striker to win the Premier League.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: “You can win the league without a striker. Man City have proven that.
“But you need your wide players to chip in with more goals. The fact that you’re so reliant on Saka, or Havertz not having an off day. Midfielders as well, can chip in.
“That’s the whole point with the system they play, having movement and playing free in midfield so that they can make those late-man runs into the box.
“But they’re just not doing that you know? Then, it comes more apparent that the person in that forward area, in that number nine position, if they’re not going to chip in with goals, it becomes more obvious.”