Arsenal are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as they push for their first title since 2004. Mikel Arteta made a small change to his tactics, and that has worked very well for the team in their last match. This change focuses on the role of Kai Havertz in the starting XI, giving the team more control and fluidity. Meanwhile, the Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres is enjoying his best form since moving to North London last summer. The manager explains that this new setup provides a different type of threat against stubborn defensive units.
Many fans expected the German international to lead the line after returning from his recent injury. Instead, he is shining in a deeper role that helps balance the midfield. This shift has played a big role in the team’s current scoring run. As the season goes on, the partnership between these two players could shape the title race.
Shift in Game Plan for Kai Havertz
During the recent win over Sunderland, Mikel Arteta moved Kai Havertz into a deeper midfield role. He played on the right side of the pitch alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. Arteta explained that the changes were made based on the specific threat the team wanted to create against the opposition.
This new role allowed the German to use his intelligence and adaptability while in possession of the ball. He finished the match with three key passes and a crucial assist for goalscorer Gyokeres. The manager also praised his calmness under pressure and his support in different attacking phases.
So far in the 2025/26 season, Havertz has recorded two goals and one assist. There is immense potential for him in this role because of his unique aerial presence and technical passing skill. This position shift also helped Viktor Gyokeres by pulling defenders out of position and creating valuable space in attack.
Kai Havertz has 4⃣ goal contributions in his last 4⃣ games since returning from injury 👨🍳🔥
Both his assists were for Viktor Gyökeres 🇩🇪🤝🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/YI82N39gNv
— LiveScore (@livescore) February 7, 2026
Viktor Gyokeres transformation under Arteta’s tactics
Viktor Gyokeres has made huge progress since the start of the season after early struggles to adapt to the Premier League. The new role given to his teammate Havertz has turned out to be a perfect match for Gyokeres’s physical style of play. Whether Havertz plays just behind him or drops deeper into midfield, he creates space by pulling defenders into areas they don’t want to be in. This allows the Swedish forward to occupy a single centre-half instead of facing multiple defenders at once.
In the last match, he came off the bench to score two powerful goals. He now has 13 goals in all competitions this season. In fact, no Premier League player has scored more goals in 2026 than the Sweden international.
Arteta stated that he loves the character and balance the striker brings to the group. He now looks more confident in holding the ball and running the channels. If he keeps this form, he could lead his team to the title.
A Bright Future for the Gunners
Mikel Arteta’s tactical flexibility is proving to be a key factor in Arsenal’s push for major trophies this season. By moving players around, he has unlocked a scoring partnership that few defences can stop. Arsenal now look increasingly strong, holding a clear advantage over Manchester City in the league standings. The midfield’s sharp decision-making and the attack’s clinical edge are working together seamlessly. Fans have every reason to feel positive about the remaining matches as the team continues to grow and adjust tactically. Still, maintaining focus will be crucial if Arsenal are to lift the trophy in May. The Brentford game is another chance to see this growth. Fans are looking forward to expecting the team to gain major success in all four competitions.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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