"Playing in slow motion", "One of the worst buys" - Fans take aim at Arsenal star after his wasteful first-half performance vs Liverpool

Kai Havertz has come in for criticism on social media after a frustrating first-half showing in Arsenal's FA Cup third-round clash against Liverpool today (January 7).

Mikel Arteta started Havertz as a false 9 after Gabriel Jesus was ruled out with a slight knee injury. The German had spent the majority of the season playing in a midfield role.

The 24-year-old struggled to impress in the first half which saw him have plenty of opportunities to put Arsenal in front. He had five shots, putting three of them off target when he should at least have buried one attempt.

Havertz was particularly wasteful in the 44th minute when he dwindled too long on the ball. He ended up hitting a tame shot at Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Gunners were the dominant side at the Emirates during the first 45 minutes. But, a lack of goalscoring potency plagued Arteta's frontline, with them unable to find the net with 13 attempts to the visitors' two.

Havertz was perhaps the biggest culprit regarding Arsenal's missed opportunities and fans let him know on social media. One fan reckons the Germany international plays in slow motion:

"Havertz playing in slow motion."

Another fan told Arteta that his decision to sign Havertz from Chelsea for £67.5 million was a mistake:

"Arteta needs to just hold his hands up about the Havertz transfer. Gotta be one of the worst buys in the last 3/4 years."

Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Havertz's disappointing first-half display against Liverpool:

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Ian Wright gives a telling reaction to Arsenal's first-half display vs Liverpool

Ian Wright wants the Gunners to sign a 'killer'.

Ian Wright clearly feels Arsenal lack a proven goalscorer judging by his post on X. The Gunners legend said in response to his side's showing against Liverpool:

"We need a killer."

One striker who his former club continue to be linked with is Brentford's Ivan Toney. Bees boss Thomas Frank has made it clear that it will take an astronomical offer to prise the England international away from the Gtech Community Stadium:

"Yes, he’s staying. He is a Brentford player. I can’t see why we would sell him and I would love to have him for a longer time. It needs to be an unbelievable price. So he will stay here."

Brentford reportedly value Toney at £100 million and he's set to return to action later this month. He's been serving an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules.

Toney was in red-hot form last season, finishing only behind Erling Haaland and Harry Kane in the Premier League Golden Boot race. He bagged 20 goals in 33 league games.