Kai Havertz was criticised by a pundit for a collision with Fabian Schar during Arsenal’s win over Newcastle United on Sunday.
Newcastle United fell to a defeat in north London, complicating matters in their pursuit of Champions League football.
Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, meaning Eddie Howe’s side now must win their final game of the Premier League campaign if they are to secure a place in the top five.
Unlike many of the other recent games between the two sides, there weren’t all too many flashpoints on Sunday. Arsenal and Newcastle have recently developed a rivalry on and off the pitch, with their win over Howe’s side their first in four attempts this season.
Still, Havertz was slammed for a coming together with Schar.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Kai Havertz blasted for what he did to Fabian Schar in Arsenal vs Newcastle United
The German was booked in the closing stages of the game for catching Schar in the jaw with what appeared to be a flailing elbow.
Former Crystal Palace and Brighton forward Glenn Murray slammed the action as “not nice” and suggested Havertz “knows” exactly what he was doing.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, he said: “Elbows pointing, Kai Havertz knows what he’s doing. Those are not nice to walk into.”
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Dan Burn clashed with Kai Havertz during Chelsea vs Newcastle United
Dan Burn also has previous with the forward when it comes to these kind of challenges.
Burn claimed Havertz elbowed him while playing for Chelsea against Newcastle back in March 2022.
The former Blues forward was only given a yellow that day and ultimately went on to score the winner at Stamford Bridge in a 1-0 victory.
Havertz and Burn do appear to have something of a running battle, with the Newcastle defender appearing to throw the ball at him while he was on the ground during Sunday’s defeat at the Emirates.