Havertz presence missed’: See Five clear chances that could have been Tap in for Kai Havertz yesterday – Fans already missing their Starboy presence
Arsenal succumbed to their third Premier League defeat of the campaign after they were beaten 2-0 by West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium last night.
The club had the opportunity to climb back to the top of the table with a victory but they were left frustrated after failing to capitalise on big chances.
The Gunners squandered five big chances in the derby and two of those fell into the path of Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian’s first headed effort was over the bar and he should have scored with his second. He had the goal at sight but fluffed his lines with a poor header.
In our opinion, Kai Havertz’s aerial presence in the box was sorely missed against the Hammers.
The German was suspended for the game as a result of receiving his fifth yellow card last weekend and he could have made a big difference in the London derby last night.
The playmaker scored with a delightful header at the far post in the late victory at Brentford. With his strong aerial presence, the Gunners could have scored yesterday.
The £48 million-rated star will be back in the squad to face Fulham on New Year’s Eve and he is expected to return to the starting line-up from the number eight position.
Leandro Trossard tried his best to impress from the role. He has lacked the cutting edge to his gameplay when picked to start games. He is much better off the bench.
Aside from Trossard, it could be time for Gabriel Martinelli to be dropped after another lacklustre display. The attacker has looked short of confidence with his finishing.
Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are possible options for the manager and we would personally prefer to go with the former, who looked lively in yesterday’s cameo.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s place in the XI is also questionable. The Ukrainian gave away possession in dangerous situations and failed to track the run of Konstantinos Mavropanos for the Hammers’ second goal.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
