Mikel Arteta has insisted he still “loves” Kai Havertz at the end of a nightmare week for the German which saw him miss great chances in two costly defeats.
Havertz missed a free header as Arsenal lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, and followed that up with another poor performance in front of goal as Manchester United knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup on penalties.
Arsenal's struggles to score from open play this season have been well publicized and Havertz's status as Arteta's preferred striker – the only natural option available behind Gabriel Jesus injury – has prompted important questions from a large number of i Arsenal the fans.
Arteta, however, remains a strong supporter of Havertz. Asked what he said to the German after the United defeat, he replied: “For him and for all of them: that I love, that we all love. Individually and collectively they are a joy.
“What this team produces every three days is unbelievable, no matter what happens. I'm not going to lose sight of that, because of one or two results because we didn't deserve it. What can we do better, let's try to do it But it's difficult to achieve, it's an emotional part, it's something related to faith.”
Arteta was once again asked if Arsenal could look to sign a new striker in January, but continued to fend off calls to enter the tRANSFER the market.
“I understand that (question), but I couldn't love our players more and we focus a lot on the players we have to perform at the highest level,” he insisted. “The rest is not in our hands, nor in my hands.”