Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has issued a direct ultimatum to Mikel Arteta, urging the manager to offload two underperforming players or face potential consequences for his job.
The call comes after Arsenal’s recent EFL Cup victory against Brentford, which extended their unbeaten streak to seven games across various competitions.
While several players stood out in the match, there were disappointments within the squad who failed to seize the opportunity to make an impression.
Notably, Kai Havertz, a high-profile signing for £65 million, struggled once again, continuing a trend of lackluster performances since joining the club.
Havertz’s role in the team is to operate from the left side of a midfield three, employing his intelligence to create from deep and advance strategically without compromising the team’s defense.
his adaptation to this position has been challenging, reminiscent of his struggles at former club Chelsea due to being played out of position.
In the recent game against Brentford, Havertz managed an 81% pass accuracy but lost possession 12 times with just 62 touches, equating to losing the ball every five touches.
This led to the Bees initiating their own attacks, nullifying Havertz’s contributions. Despite these figures not being disastrous, they reflect a recurring mediocrity in his performances that fall below the expectations set by his significant transfer fee.
The disappointing displays by certain players have prompted Kroenke to emphasize the need for changes within the squad.
Arteta faces the task of making necessary decisions to enhance the team’s overall performance and ensure that hefty investments translate into desired results without compromising the team’s success.
The pressure is on to strike a balance between developing individual players and achieving collective success on the field.
Ultimately, the spotlight remains on Arteta as he evaluates the team’s composition, seeking the right blend of talent and teamwork to propel Arsenal forward in their campaign.
Havertz’s underwhelming performances signify the challenges Arteta faces in optimizing the potential of his squad while also addressing the owner’s concerns about player effectiveness and contribution to the team’s success.
