Arsenal fans are expressing their doubts on X after Mikel Arteta dropped Viktor Gyokeres for Kai Havertz in the starting XI to face Everton. The two sides are set to lock horns in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium later today (Saturday, March 14).
David Raya starts in goal for the Gunners. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori make up the defense. The midfield comprises of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze. Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Kai Havertz start up front to complete the starting XI.
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Viktor Gyokeres has struggled with his all-around game at times since joining Arsenal from Sporting CP last summer. However, he has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and has bagged 15 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions to date.
Despite this, Arteta has given Kai Havertz an opportunity to shine up front. The Germany international has registered three goals and two assists in 11 appearances this season. However, Havertz has missed 26 fixtures across all competitions after suffering an ACL injury at the start of the season. He also missed four more games last month due to a muscle injury.
However, fans are expressing their disappointment at Arteta for not starting both Havertz and Gyokeres in the 10 and 9, respectively. One fan posted:
“Dropped Gyokeres why? Play Havertz in 10 with him? This’ll backfire”
Another fan questioned:
“Why isn’t Arteta playing Havertz and Gyokeres together ?”
Other fans reacted below:
“There’s a chance that fatigue kicks in for them here” – Chris Sutton makes scoreline prediction for Arsenal v Everton PL clash
BBC Sport columnist Chris Sutton reckons Arsenal could suffer due to fatigue, but has backed them to secure a 2-0 win over Everton in their upcoming Premier League clash.
The Gunners are currently the firm favorites to win the Premier League title this season. They remain at the summit of the standings with 67 points from 30 games, seven points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Days after witnessing Mikel Arteta’s side being held to a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League, Sutton wrote (via BBC):
“Arsenal got away with a poor performance against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday thanks to Kai Havertz’s late penalty against his former club. There’s a chance that fatigue kicks in for them here but it shouldn’t do, because they have got such great depth in their squad.”
He added:
“It was quite a tight affair when these two sides met in December, but Arsenal nicked the points at Hill Dickinson Stadium and I am expecting the same to happen this time too. Everton will make it difficult for them, and try to hang on in the game. They could easily score too, but I am going for Arsenal to find a way to win again, and get the job done.”
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, the Gunners defeated Everton 1-0, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a first-half penalty to secure the three points (December 21, 2025).
Edited by Silas Sud
