"Cancels everything about this team", "Absolutely wild" - Arsenal fans perplexed by star's position in starting XI for Ipswich clash

Some Arsenal fans were baffled by Kai Havertz being named in the midfield in the starting XI against Ipswich Town in the Premier League. The two sides faced off at the Emirates on Friday, December 27.

Kai Havertz has registered 11 goals and three assists in 24 appearances across competitions for the Gunners this season. He's recorded more goal contributions playing as a centre-forward (seven goals and two assists) than as an attacking midfielder (one goal) in this campaign. These numbers led to many being in favor of him playing as a central striker/false nine.

Fans expressed their disapproval on X of Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta's decision about Kai Havertz's position in their starting line-up against Ipswich Town. One fan wrote:

"Havertz in midfield cancels everything about this team"

Another added:

"Havertz in midfield 😂 Over Partey and the new midfield signing Absolutely wild"

"Havertz in the middle is not helping us yet we keep repeating it. I hope it turns out well cuz this is a must-win," chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"Benching Partey to accommodate Havertz in the midfiled. what is Arteta using of late?"

Another tweeted:

"Havertz in midfield again 😕"

"I really want to understand Mikel Arteta’s perspective on what Havertz offers in midfield. He’s good as a striker, but in midfield?" posted another.

One user wrote:

"Not this Havertz in midfield shit again"

While another wrote:

"What's so special with Havertz that guarantees him place in midfield over Partey en Jorginho?? Arteta can gamble"

Kai Havertz, who arrived at the Emirates from Chelsea in 2023, has recorded 25 goals and 10 assists in 75 appearances for Arsenal so far.

---

Arsenal boss on Bukayo Saka's major injury setback

Mikel Arteta shared his thoughts on Bukayo Saka, who sustained a major injury in Arsenal's 5-1 win against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on December 21 at Selhurst Park. During the first half, Bukayo Saka went down and appeared to be in need of medical assistance. The Englishman limped off the pitch and was replaced by Leandro Trossard in the 24th minute.

Later, it was revealed that the Englishman had suffered a hamstring injury with the initial prognosis estimating his expected return by mid-February next year. In the pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's clash against Ipswich Town, Arteta hailed the 23-year-old while not sweating over the injury. The Spanish manager said (via @FabrizioRomano on X):

"When you look at his history in six years, it’s incredible. It’s very difficult to find a more robust player in the league, especially at his age. It’s an injury and he will be fine."

Bukayo Saka has netted nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 games across competitions for Arsenal this season. He also started in all the matches that he appeared in prior to this injury.

After starting his senior career with Arsenal in 2018, Bukayo Saka has registered 67 goals and 63 assists in 250 matches. As the Englishman's contribution to Mikel Arteta's squad is undeniable, it remains to be seen how the Gunners fare in his absence.