Mikel Arteta has launched a passionate defence of Kai Havertz after the Arsenal striker was abused after his latest display of wayward finishing.
Havertz had largely won over a fanbase who had questioned the decision to spend £65 million on him 18 months ago.
Arteta’s faith appeared to have been vindicated when Havertz flourished over the course of the second half of last season and appeared to have puthis turbulent spell at Chelsea behind him.
The Germany international started the current campaign in fine form and although he has scored 12 times already this season, a difficult week has again sparked a debate as to whether Arsenal need a new striker.
Havertz missed one glorious chance to haul the the Gunners back into last week’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg against Newcastle, and his shooting boots let him down again on Sunday.
The 25-year-old’s missed penalty ultimately proved decisive in the shootout and prompted a stream of abuse on social media.
Havertz’s wife shared some of the sickening messages her partner received with one so-called fan declaring ‘I hope you have a miscarriage.’
Asked for a response to the bile and outrage, Arteta issued a powerful response and said: ‘It’s incredible honestly. We have to really do something about it, because accepting this I think has terrible consequences.
‘It’s so cynical, so dependent to an action. On 27 December at home, we win 1-0. Kai Havertz scores a goal, the whole stadium is singing the Waka Waka. Guys, what is the perspective?
‘Everyone is responsible for the narrative. That is a really serious matter. It affects him, it affects me.’
Arsenal do have the perfect incentive to bounce back on Wednesday night when they play host to Tottenham in the north London derby.
‘It is the nicest game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the people – us and everyone that is involved,’ said Arteta.
‘The atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed off. Let’s do it.’
The Gunners will, however, be without Gabriel Jesus who now looks likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury.
‘[It’s] not looking good at all, but we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon,’ said Arteta.
‘I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were every worried straight after the game and we are very worried today.’
On whether Arsenal plan to make any further additions to the squad to compensate for the latest injury setback, Arteta added: ‘My answer doesn’t change.
‘We are actively looking into the market to improve the squad. We always have been. It would be naïve not too. We are looking and we are trying, so let’s see what we can do.
‘To recruit a player there are three parties who have to agree to that. The fact I love my players doesn’t mean we can’t think about improving.
‘We do daily and when the market comes around we have to make sure we have the best resources and capacity to compete the way that we want to.’
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