Paul Merson ‘feels sorry’ for Kai Havertz ahead of Arsenal’s big clash at Newcastle United

Arsenal travel to Newcastle United on Saturday evening looking to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season and move top of the table. Mikel Arteta’s side are second after 10 games, just two points behind Tottenham and level with Manchester City. However, they go to St. James’ Park having just been, surprisingly, knocked out of the Carabao Cup by West Ham, on the same night that a depleted Newcastle recorded a stunning 3-0 win at Manchester United.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes that the defeat to the Irons could prove beneficial in the long-term but may affect the team’s confidence against one of the toughest teams in the top-flight. ‘It could turn out to be a blessing for Arsenal that they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup as it allows them to put more focus on their Premier League title challenge,’ he wrote for Sportskeeda.

‘I look at this game and think if Arsenal win, the race for the league title becomes a heads or tails clash between the Gunners and Manchester City, as an away victory at St. James’ Park would be a huge statement. Newcastle have injuries but they are a good team at home and rarely lose games in front of their own fans. The West Ham result won’t hurt Arsenal in the long-term but could prove to be a bit of a knockout punch, so I’m going for a 1-1 draw here.’

Kai Havertz Struggling for Confidence

One Arsenal player who does look devoid of confidence is Kai Havertz, who has struggled to make an impact since his £65million transfer from Chelsea over the summer. The 24-year-old has managed just one goal and one assist in 16 appearances with Arteta’s plan to repurpose the forward into a midfielder not working out at all.

Much has been made of his struggles, with Merson adding: ‘Kai Havertz started in midfield alongside Jorginho and Fabio Vieira against West Ham. I felt a bit sorry for him, as that’s not his position and he doesn’t really have a fixed role in the team.’

Conclusion

Arsenal have an opportunity to make a statement against Newcastle United on Saturday evening and move top of the Premier League table. However, they go into the game off the back of a surprise Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham, which could affect their confidence. Paul Merson believes that this could be a blessing in disguise for Arsenal in the long-term, but it could also prove to be a knockout punch. One player who is struggling for confidence is Kai Havertz, who has failed to make an impact since his transfer from Chelsea over the summer.

For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.