Lost the ball 10 times, 13 duels lost: One of Arteta's main men let Arsenal down vs Atalanta - opinion
Today at 07:15 AM
Arsenal have some work to do if they are to get anywhere in this year’s Champions League competition after a disappointing performance against Atalanta.
Mikel Arteta welcomed Riccardo Calafiori back to his Arsenal squad last night after an injury lay-off.
Gabriel Jesus was the only change, other than Declan Rice‘s return, from the side that played Tottenham in the Premier League last time out.
The Brazilian wasn’t able to have much impact on the game and looked low on confidence at times.
However, Jesus wasn’t the only Arsenal player who had an off night…
Kai Havertz had an absolute stinker vs Atalanta
Kai Havertz has already proved Martin Keown wrong so far this season after a brilliant first three games, but things have dropped off slightly since moving into more of a deeper role.
Martin Odegaard’s injury has forced Mikel Arteta to deploy the German in an attacking midfield role.
He wasn’t at his best last night and the stats back that up.
The German had just 40 touches of the ball, which is less than David Raya, had a passing accuracy of 84%, lost 13 of his 17 duels, lost possession ten times, gave away three fouls and was dribbled past once.
He had the second-lowest rating of any player, with 6.2.
Despite not actually being an out-and-out number nine, there’s no doubting it’s his best position.
Mikel Arteta has to put Havertz back up top
Gabriel Jesus was just as ineffective against Atalanta at the pinnacle of the attack.
He was hooked off in the 58th minute after a performance that consisted of just 33 touches, five duels lost and he gave away possession eight times.
With Manchester City up next, Havertz has to lead the line.
A midfield three of Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice gives Arsenal the best chance of keeping things tight in the middle of midfield.
Kai Havertz can then be deployed back in his best position with Bukayo Sako and Leandro Trossard either side.
