Kai Havertz welcome to the big stage. We saw Mikels vision come to life on the big stage and stayed true to the process! What a win, what a performance, a struggle of a game concluded in emphatic fashion! With it Kai takes Arsenal to the top of the league!
The Art of Analysis review is here:
The Starting Lineup:
Mikel chose to start with a rather attacking focused side with 5 of the outfield XI being known for attacking prowess. However his efforts we significant stymied by the fortified low block presented from Brentford.
Brentford, a formidable opponent renowned for their 14-match unbeaten streak in London derbies, employed a cautious strategy, stationing all 11 players behind the ball to safeguard their penalty area.
This tactic ceded complete control of the match to us, but penetrating their well-organized defensive lines proved challenging due to their risk-averse approach.
Their compact 5-3-2 defensive formation, remained consistent throughout the match.
Drama at the Gtech:
In a thrilling late-game surge, Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Brentford in west London, propelling them to the top of the Premier League table. German forward Kai Havertz, who had faced criticism since his £65 million transfer from Chelsea, redeemed himself with a decisive header at the back post, capitalizing on an exquisite cross from Bukayo Saka.
This dramatic triumph marks a pivotal moment for the Gunners, elevating them above both Manchester City and Liverpool, who had earlier drawn 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Arsenal now sit top of the Premier League with 1 point ahead of rivals Man City.
Shakey Ramsdale Fails to Quiet Doubters:
Despite adding another clean sheet to his CV Ramsdales questionable throws, passes and position will certainly to the forefront once more. Thankfully for the Englishman, victorious teams are invariably composed of players who are dedicated to going the extra mile for their teammates, and this was amply demonstrated at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Two exceptional goal-line clearances from two of our top performers on the night, Rice and Zinchenko, were instrumental in securing our sixth clean sheet of the season, the highest in the division.
With Aaron Ramsdale seemingly stranded in possession, our record signing showcased remarkable anticipation by sprinting back towards the goal line. His timely intervention thwarted Bryan Mbeumo’s shot, preventing a surefire goal.
King Kai is Back:
Upon acquiring Kai Havertz in the summer, I envisioned a surge of headed goals from the German, who possesses the ideal physique to capitalize on inswinging deliveries from Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard. His ability to make undetected runs from deep, coupled with his height, movement, and aerial prowess, makes him a natural target for crosses. It was gratifying to witness this strategy materialize in west London.
With 23 aerial duels won this season, Havertz trails only Gabriel, who leads the Arsenal squad in this category. However, this was only his third headed attempt at goal.
The crucial aspect now is to consistently provide him with opportunities to receive crosses in the coming weeks and months.
When opponents adopt a deep-lying defensive approach, as Brentford did in this match, Havertz’s unique skillset offers Mikel Arteta’s team a valuable alternative.
By enabling us to deliver crosses with greater confidence, his aerial ability should make a difference on numerous occasions.
His tenacity, trust in his teammates and likewise trust shown to him by his manager, Kai really got what he finally deserved. A landmark goal for Arsenal, and celebration to show his personality and quieten the naysayers. It was a glorious sight, as was Mikel dragging him to celebrate with the travelling away fans and showing the team spirit is ever-present from the squad to the coaching staff.
Conclusion:
Arsenal are now top of the league, where in past instances when our rivals faulted we would follow suit. This time we pulled through. In a game where we dominated possession but could not find the goal, we pushed on to get a win. This is a new Arsenal, one that has learnt from past mistakes with character and personality. An Arsenal that has gone so close to the top of the mountain only to fall at the final hurdle. Perhaps an Arsenal to finally topple it’s rivals and this is the beginning of that journey to claim the top for our ow once and for all.
Written by Reekesh Somaroo.