Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could have serious concerns about Kai Havertz’s performance following the Gunners’ dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
Although Arsenal produced an impressive performance to secure a valuable point at the Allianz Arena, Havertz struggled to make the expected impact in attack. The German international found it difficult to influence the game consistently, raising fresh questions about his current form and his position in Arteta’s starting lineup.
Arsenal travelled to Germany expecting a difficult encounter against one of Europe’s most dangerous teams. Despite losing Bukayo Saka to an early injury, the Gunners showed determination and attacking quality to earn a draw against Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich.
Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal before Alphonso Davies equalised for the hosts. Harry Kane subsequently put Bayern ahead from the penalty spot, but Declan Rice rescued a point for the visitors with a superb late goal.
However, while several Arsenal players earned praise for their contributions, Havertz’s display attracted criticism from match observers. One player-rating assessment gave him a four out of ten, highlighting his limited influence and a difficult evening against Bayern’s defensive unit.
There is no verified public statement confirming that Arteta personally expressed anger at Havertz after the match. Nevertheless, the forward’s performance has created an opportunity for debate about Arsenal’s attacking options and the competition for places in the team.
Havertz Struggles to Make an Impact
Kai Havertz entered the match hoping to demonstrate his importance to Arsenal’s attacking plans. The German forward has previously shown that he can contribute goals, link up with teammates and create space for other attacking players.
However, his display against Bayern Munich was far from convincing.
Arsenal needed their forward players to maintain possession, compete physically against Bayern’s defenders and provide an attacking outlet whenever the team came under pressure. Havertz struggled to establish a consistent presence, making it difficult for Arsenal to build attacks through the central areas.
Playing against an experienced defensive unit requires movement, concentration and the ability to make decisions quickly. Bayern’s defenders were determined to prevent Arsenal from establishing control in dangerous positions, and Havertz found opportunities limited.
His performance was particularly noticeable because other Arsenal players rose to the occasion.
Martin Odegaard produced an excellent pass to create Eze’s opening goal, while Rice demonstrated his importance with a tireless midfield display and a late equaliser.
Those contributions made Havertz’s difficulties more apparent, particularly as Arsenal needed consistency from every player to compete with Bayern throughout the match.
Arteta Has Important Decisions to Make
Mikel Arteta has consistently demanded high standards from his players, regardless of their reputation or previous achievements.
The Arsenal manager understands that competing for major trophies requires a squad capable of delivering strong performances in difficult circumstances. Every player must contribute to the team’s tactical structure, particularly in high-pressure European matches.
Havertz’s performance could therefore encourage Arteta to examine his options ahead of Arsenal’s next fixtures.
However, one difficult game does not automatically mean a player should lose his place. Arteta will need to consider Havertz’s overall contribution, training performances, tactical responsibilities and the alternatives available within the squad.
The manager has frequently shown that he values versatility and teamwork. Havertz’s ability to operate in different attacking positions has previously made him a useful option, even when he has not been at his most clinical.
Nevertheless, Arsenal are competing against clubs with exceptional attacking talent, and there is little room for prolonged inconsistency.
If Havertz wants to remain a regular starter, he will need to demonstrate that he can influence matches more effectively and provide the quality expected of an Arsenal forward.
Viktor Gyokeres Provides Another Option
One of the major talking points following the Bayern match was the contribution of Viktor Gyokeres after coming off the bench.
The Swedish striker replaced Havertz in the second half and provided a different attacking presence. His physical strength helped Arsenal compete against Bayern’s defenders, while his involvement in the build-up to Rice’s equaliser demonstrated the value of his introduction.
Gyokeres combined effectively with his teammates before Rice finished the move in the 82nd minute, securing Arsenal a deserved point.
His contribution could strengthen his case for more opportunities in the starting lineup.
Arsenal need forwards who can offer different solutions depending on the opposition. Against physically strong defenders, Gyokeres can provide a direct option, hold up the ball and create space for midfield runners.
Havertz, meanwhile, offers positional flexibility and the ability to connect midfield with attack.
The decision between the two players will depend on Arteta’s tactical plans and the type of performance he expects in upcoming matches.
If Gyokeres continues to make decisive contributions, the competition for Arsenal’s central attacking position could become increasingly intense.
Arsenal’s Draw Should Not Hide the Problems
The 2-2 result was encouraging for Arsenal, but the performance also revealed areas that require improvement.
Bayern created dangerous opportunities throughout the contest, forcing Arsenal’s defenders and goalkeeper David Raya to remain alert. Kane’s intelligent movement and passing ability caused problems, while Davies provided additional attacking danger from wide areas.
Arsenal responded positively, showing their ability to recover after falling behind. Rice’s equaliser was particularly important because it prevented the Gunners from suffering a disappointing defeat away from home.
Nevertheless, Arteta will want his attacking players to contribute more consistently.
Against elite opponents, Arsenal cannot always depend on midfielders scoring late goals to rescue results. Their forwards must create opportunities, retain possession and help the team maintain pressure when the opposition is vulnerable.
Havertz will be aware that his performance did not reach the level expected in such an important fixture.
The challenge now is to respond positively rather than allow one difficult evening to affect his confidence.
Pressure Continues to Grow on Havertz
Competition for places is an unavoidable part of playing for a club with Arsenal’s ambitions.
The Gunners have invested in a squad designed to compete in the Premier League and Champions League, meaning every player must continually demonstrate his value.
Havertz has previously enjoyed important moments in an Arsenal shirt, and his versatility remains an advantage. However, past contributions cannot guarantee a starting position when other players are performing well.
The German international must focus on improving his movement, making better use of possession and becoming more influential in the final third.
He will also need to show greater consistency when Arsenal face opponents who defend aggressively and limit the space available to attackers.
Arteta’s decision-making will be closely watched, particularly if Gyokeres or another attacking option delivers strong performances in the coming matches.
A change in the starting lineup would not necessarily represent a permanent loss of confidence in Havertz. It could simply be a tactical decision intended to improve the team’s overall performance.
What Happens Next?
Arsenal’s next matches will provide an important opportunity for Havertz to respond to the criticism surrounding his display against Bayern Munich.
The forward will be hoping to regain his sharpness and demonstrate why Arteta has trusted him in important fixtures.
For the manager, the priority will be finding the right balance between maintaining consistency and rewarding players who perform well.
Arsenal have shown that they can compete against Europe’s strongest teams, but their ambitions will require contributions from the entire squad.
Havertz has the experience and ability to recover from a difficult performance. The important question is whether he can turn that potential into consistent displays when Arsenal need him most.
Conclusion
Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich was an encouraging result, with Eze and Rice providing the goals that helped the Gunners earn a valuable point in Germany.
However, Havertz’s disappointing display has raised questions about his current form and whether he should continue to occupy a regular place in Arteta’s starting lineup.
Although there is no confirmed evidence that Arteta publicly criticised the German international after the match, the performance itself gives the manager several factors to consider.
With Gyokeres offering an alternative in attack and Arsenal facing a demanding run of fixtures, Havertz will need to respond with improved performances.
The coming weeks could prove important for his Arsenal future, as the forward looks to regain his best form and strengthen his position within Arteta’s plans.
