During their Premier League match against Fulham, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice displayed visible frustration after Kai Havertz misplaced a pass.
Having scored 32 goals during his time at Chelsea, German international Havertz made a cross-city move to Arsenal in a transfer reportedly valued at £65 million.
Under Mikel Arteta’s management, Arsenal finished as the Premier League runners-up to Manchester City last season, losing their grip on the top spot towards the end of the campaign as Pep Guardiola’s team surged ahead to secure the title.
In response to falling short of the Premier League championship, Arsenal bolstered their squad with new signings during the summer transfer window.
In addition to the acquisition of Havertz to enhance their attacking choices, Arsenal also secured the services of Rice from West Ham in a significant £105 million deal.
Unfortunately, Jurrien Timber’s transfer from Ajax was marred by a subsequent injury suffered by the defender.
Regarding Havertz, he has made four appearances for Arsenal across all competitions but has yet to score a goal for his new club.
Despite this, Arsenal has maintained an undefeated record in the initial phases of the season. They clinched the Community Shield victory against City through a penalty shootout, and in the Premier League, they have secured two wins and a draw thus far.
A moment from Arsenal’s draw against Fulham, coupled with Rice’s subsequent reaction, may succinctly capture Havertz’s tenure in North London thus far.
In the match, the ball was played out from the defense to Havertz, who stood at the edge of the final third with no Fulham players in close proximity.
It appeared to be an ideal chance for Havertz to receive the ball, pivot, and charge at the Cottagers’ defensive line to apply pressure. However, Havertz chose a different course of action.
Instead of advancing, the forward attempted to send the ball back to midfielder Rice.
The screenshot is actually a disservice to Havertz. It’s worse lmaooo https://t.co/vRh99rVx4a pic.twitter.com/N7ZmZUsPDa
— Shallé_guun (@Pearl_FreeAfc) August 26, 2023
But the ball was swiftly intercepted by a Fulham player and Rice’s reaction clearly showed his frustration, as he gestured to Havertz there were other Arsenal players perhaps in a better place to receive the possession.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta replaced Havertz on 56 minutes for Fabio Vieira, who went on to grab an assist for Eddie Nketiah’s goal in the 2-2 draw – but the German was defended by his manager post-match.