Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal produced an encouraging performance against Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening, battling to a 2-2 draw in the Champions League despite suffering an early injury setback.
Mikel Arteta's side lost Bukayo Saka after just ten minutes at the Allianz Arena, but the Gunners responded impressively, with substitute Eberechi Eze opening the scoring before Declan Rice struck a late equaliser to secure a point against the German giants.
The result provided further evidence of Arsenal's ability to compete with Europe's elite, although questions remain over the balance of their attacking options.
Saka injury Bayern vs Arsenal
Saka injury Bayern vs Arsenal
Kai Havertz has established himself as Arteta's preferred centre-forward in recent weeks, with the German continuing to offer an important link between midfield and attack but not an out and out number nine.
The former Chelsea star has spoken openly this week about the competition for places at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz discusses Arsenal striker competition and Harry Kane admiration
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Speaking to Men in Blazers, Havertz revealed that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is among the players he looks to for inspiration.
"I love Harry Kane. For me he's one of the best strikers I've seen in my life," the Arsenal forward explained.
"He's probably also not a proper number nine, but still the numbers he produces and also assists, and how he links up and helps the team when they're deep or something is amazing – so he is definitely someone that I look up to."
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Havertz's admiration for Kane's all-round contribution offers an insight into the type of centre-forward Arteta appears to favour.
While goals remain essential, the Arsenal manager also demands intelligent movement, combination play and an ability to bring teammates into attacking situations.
Havertz was also asked about his relationship with fellow striker Viktor Gyokeres, insisting that competition between the pair has not created problems behind the scenes.
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"We connected well from day one, and no one is angry if someone else plays," he said.
"I know Viktor; he wants to play every game like I do, but when the referee blows the whistle or when the training session is finished, we put that aside and be teammates and achieve things together and that's what we do. He is a top guy and a top striker."
Nevertheless, the situation surrounding Gyokeres has become an increasingly prominent talking point as the season progresses.
Reports have suggested the Sweden international is growing frustrated with his limited opportunities, having struggled to establish himself as a regular starter following his arrival from Sporting CP.
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Arsenal have reportedly placed a £55m valuation on Gyokeres amid speculation surrounding his future.
The Gunners have also been linked with alternative attacking options, with Football FanCast recently reporting their interest in Monza striker Gustavo Varela, who has made an impressive start to the campaign.
However, one figure familiar with Gyokeres believes the striker's difficulties could be addressed through a tactical adjustment rather than a transfer.
Viktor Gyokeres mentor suggests Arsenal star needs different role under Arteta
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Former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar, who coached Gyokeres at Brommapojkarna in Sweden, believes his compatriot is struggling with the demands of playing as a lone centre-forward.
Speaking to Betarades via Football London, Limpar suggested the striker would be more effective alongside a traditional target man, pointing towards his performances for Sweden.
"When I see Viktor playing for Sweden, he is much better because he's playing with two up front, and he was brought up in the Swedish system, playing with two forwards.
"Playing up front on his own is hard for him because it's not his game to be a target player."
Limpar also identified specific areas where Gyokeres has been struggling.
"He is good going forward, chasing the ball, and he's a threat on counterattacks, so he needs a player who is a really good target so he can play off them.
"At the moment, you can see that he's struggling a little bit when it comes to receiving the ball, to pass the ball around."
The former Arsenal star also warned Gyokeres against publicly expressing frustration over his playing time, suggesting such comments would not help his relationship with Arteta.
Nevertheless, Limpar believes the forward deserves an opportunity to establish himself in the starting lineup.
"If you ask me if I want him to play, then yes, I think he should play as a starter," he added.