Kai Havertz will have to fight for a place in Arsenal’s starting XI after the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres.
One complaint that Arsenal fans are tired of seeing is that Havertz is not a reliable number nine.
There’s hope that the recurring talking point will lessen this season, as Gyokeres’ arrival hands Mikel Arteta the seasoned goalscorer his team needs.
That doesn’t, however, necessarily mean that there’s no room for Havertz, as it’s been reported that Arteta is set to change his game plan to suit Gyokeres.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesKai Havertz is better at attacking crosses than Viktor Gyokeres
Havertz and Gyokeres could play together across Arsenal’s front line, with the possibility there for Arteta to change his formation to deploy two strikers.
Whether the Arsenal manager will make the change will become clear at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season.
Despite questions already being asked about Gyokeres’ suitability to the Premier League, Arsenal finally have a free-scoring marksman in their ranks, but the Swede doesn’t have it all.
Speaking on the Latte Firm podcast, former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke shared his belief that Havertz is better than Gyokeres in one area.
“What I would say is having the two guys on the touchline, hugging it and putting balls into the box hasn’t borne fruit enough, has it?
“We haven’t got on the end of enough crosses. In truth, Gyokeres isn’t as good at attacking crosses as Havertz. Gyokeres wants service slid down the sides of defenders.”
Clarke drew attention to the opposing strengths of both players, noticing that Gyokeres is better with the ball on the ground, while Havertz can be a target man in the box.
Standing at six foot three, Havertz has shown Arsenal what he can offer in the air, which is something his new potential strike partner needs to work on.
Gyokeres needs to improve his heading
Though Gyokeres is only an inch shorter than Havertz, the 27-year-old isn’t anywhere near as prolific in the air as he is on the ground.
Such was evident last season in the Portuguese top flight, as Arsenal’s new number 14 failed to score a single header.
Viktor Gyokeres’ 24/25 league goals36 right foot3 left foot0 headersViktor Gyokeres’ Liga Portugal goals for Sporting CP 24/25
That’s not to say that the summer signing didn’t have the service, racking up 2.82 expected goals from headers last season, as per Fot Mob, he just wasn’t able to convert the chances.
Gabriel Magalhaes could teach Gyokeres a lesson or two in the art of heading the ball, but the striker’s weakness only strengthens Havertz’s claim to remain in the starting XI.