The statistics of Kai Havertz during the Arsenal vs Fulham match have left everyone in a state of astonishment.
After securing victories in their initial two matches, Arsenal entered the Emirates Stadium with the aspiration of extending their winning streak to three by overcoming Marco Silva’s Fulham team.
Nonetheless, the visitors took the lead within the opening minute, courtesy of Andreas Pereira.
Arsenal managed to level the score in the 70th minute before taking the lead in the 72nd minute.
However, Fulham refused to yield, as Joao Palhinha netted a late equalizer, securing the Cottagers a well-deserved point.
In the tightly contested match, it was evident that Havertz had difficulties engaging with the game, and he also squandered a significant opportunity to put himself on the scoresheet.
Following the match, Havertz’s statistics from his 56-minute appearance spread rapidly across the internet.
Despite maintaining an 87% passing accuracy, he completed a mere 20 passes during his time on the field. Only four of these passes were progressive.
Havertz attempted just one shot, completed three progressive carries, and managed a mere four touches inside the opposition’s penalty area.
On the defensive front, the German midfielder made only one tackle, blocked a single pass, won just one aerial duel, and carried out five ball recoveries.
Kai Havertz stats against Fulham
20 – Pass Completed 87.0%
4 – Prog Passes
2 – OP KP
0.29 – xA
1 – Shot
0.47 – xG
3 – Prog Carries
3 – Prog Passes Received
4 – Touches in the box
1 – Tackles
1 – Blocked Passes
5 – Ball Recoveries
1 – Aerial Duel Won
0.3 – Goal Probability Added pic.twitter.com/joHHnLxEcJ— Scott Willis (@scottjwillis) August 26, 2023
It is safe to say that Havertz did not have his best afternoon against Fulham, hence why Mikel Arteta brought on Fabio Vieira with more than 30 minutes to play.
TV presenter and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan said: “I don’t get Arteta changing our whole system to accommodate Havertz.
“Just isn’t working. Put Gabriel back in next to Saliba, move White to right back, and stick Partey in the middle where he belongs. And take off Havertz.”
However, Arteta defended Havertz during his post-match press conference.
He said: “I think he’s done good things today. It was tough for him in certain moments.
“He got in great areas again and the ball didn’t arrive, it didn’t arrive. A lot of situations he could have scored a lot of goals already and that’s the thing he is missing.”