Mikel Arteta, after a decisive victory over Sevilla, delivered a surprising message to VAR with animated gestures, appearing unfazed by recent VAR-related controversies. Despite a letter from the FA addressing his previous comments, Arteta engaged in heated discussions with the fourth official, Horatiu Fesnic, just 15 minutes into the match.
Arteta’s frustration was evident as he passionately advocated for interventions when Bukayo Saka faced multiple challenges in the first half. The manager’s active involvement continued, reaching its peak when Juanlu ruthlessly fouled Martinelli in the 71st minute.
In the absence of key players like Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah, Arteta experimented with Leandro Trossard as a false nine and Havertz in Odegaard’s midfield role. Trossard, who had played in this position for Arsenal in the past, scored after 29 minutes but was underutilized, requiring deep retreats to engage with the ball.
Havertz, tasked with creating chances, struggled in his role. Although he showcased glimpses of his talent with a spectacular strike after 55 minutes, questions lingered about his optimal position. The match highlighted Arsenal’s patience against Sevilla’s limited attacks but raised concerns about their strategy against stronger opponents.
Amidst referee drama, Arteta faces the challenge of determining the best way to utilize the £65 million Havertz, emphasizing the need to define his role for future matches.
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