“He’s offering nothing” – Darren Bent firmly believes it is bad idea to keep relying on Arsenal star after draw against Fulham
Darren Bent has questioned Arsenal's decision to rely on Kai Havertz, as the Germany international had another forgettable display for his new club.
Havertz arrived at the Emirates for £65 million from Chelsea, grabbing headlines, as he left the Blues for a direct rival, but he's yet to hit the ground running under Mikel Arteta.
Havertz played the full 180 minutes in Arsenal's first two Premier League games this season, both of which ended in wins. However, he was largely forgettable in both games and left much to be desired in a No. 8 role.
Arteta started him in the left side of a midfield three as the Gunners hosted Fulham in the league on Saturday (August 26). He was, however, hooked just four minutes before the hour mark as his team trailed 1-0.
Questioning Havertz's impact at the Gunners, Bent tweeted:
"I'll always back player that play for your club, but Havertz isn't working in this Arsenal team. The midfield has no balance, and, right now, he's offering nothing. Fair play to Fulham, though"
Fabio Vieira came on to replace Havertz and helped his team stage a brilliant comeback. He won the penalty that was dispatched by Bukayo Saka and laid the assist to substitute Eddie Nketiah, who made it 2-1 in the 72nd minute.
Fulham, who were down to 10 men after Calvin Bassey's red card in the 83rd minute, secured a late point after Joao Palhinha scored from a well-taken corner.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal 'dominated' Fulham
Mikel Arteta was unhappy with Arsenal dropping points in the Premier League to Fulham.
After conceding a first-minute goal to Andreas Pereira, the Gunners had to wait until the 70th minute to restore parity. Two minutes later, they completed the comeback, and seven minutes from time, the Gunners were a man up.
However, one poorly marked corner meant the Cottagers walked away with a point. Arteta told BBC MOTD:
"We dominated the game and created countless chances and should have scored five, six, seven goals easily. And when you have done the most difficult thing, which is to get back ahead against a team that is well organised, you have to defend your box from one corner.
"It is the only chance they have, and you get punished. Yet, still you get another two chances and don't score - that is the story of the game."
Arsenal ended the game with 72% possession and had 11 shots on target as compared to Fulham's three.