Arsenal fans have reacted on X
Arsenal fans have reacted on X
Arsenal fans are conveying their concerns on X after Mikel Arteta started Kai Havertz in midfield ahead of their Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. The two sides are set to face each other at Selhurst Park later today (Saturday, December 21).
David Raya starts in goal for Arsenal. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Myles Lewis-Skelly make up the defense. The midfield consists of Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz, with Declan Rice being named on the bench. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus start up front to complete the starting XI.
Despite initially playing in midfield last season following his arrival from Chelsea, Havertz's struggles led to Arteta deploying him up front as his forward. The 25-year-old has shown signs of promise this season, garnering 10 goals and three assists in 23 appearances across competitions.
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Arsenal fans aren't impressed by Havertz's inclusion in midfield with one posting:
"These kits and kai in midfield im gonna have a heart attack"
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Another fan tweeted:
"Havertz? Midfield? It’s so over."
Other fans reacted below:
"This Kai Havertz stuff is mad annoying. Why can’t he hold bench?" one fan questioned
"This coach must ensure Kai start Even if it Goalkeeper slot," one fan commented
"Havertz does not fit in the midfield," another added
"Forcing Havertz in midfield again because it’s worked so well before…SMFH!" one fan tweeted
"Havertz in midfield? C'mon Mikel," another chimed in
"Its now becoming a must for havertz to play," one fan lamented
"I think this will be quite comfortable" - Mark Lawrenson makes score prediction for Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson has backed Arsenal to defeat Crystal Palace in their upcoming Premier League fixture.
Gabriel Jesus' hat-trick ensured the Gunners sealed a thrilling 3-2 win against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals earlier this week (December 18). The Eagles haven't fared much better in the league against Mikel Arteta's side, losing each of their last four games.
The Gunners are currently fourth in the league standings with 30 points from 16 games, six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, Palace are 15th with 16 points.
Lawrenson wrote (via Paddy Power News):
"I think this will be quite comfortable for Arsenal. They’ve been struggling to break down teams at home and they might enjoy the extra space. They’ve got to start winning in the league or they’re going to get left behind. This could be more comfortable than the Carabao Cup game."
Lawrenson's Prediction: 0-2