Something seems off at Arsenal. Despite putting themselves as one of the Premier League’s top contenders in the first half of the season, recent results have surprisingly cast a big question mark over the Gunners. The latest setback came in the form of a shocking stalemate against Everton today at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal failing to secure the additional two points. In fact, this disappointment has prompted Kai Havertz to urge his teammates to ‘look at ourselves.’

With 13 shots, 5 on target, 77% possession, and 682 passes compared to the away side’s 2 shots, none on target, 23% possession, and just 209 passes, the home side still failed to secure the crucial three points. Despite such dominance, which should have guaranteed a win for Mikel Arteta and Co., the Toffees were as prepared as ever for the match.

This has only left Havertz frustrated, especially as he too failed to fulfill his responsibility of scoring goals, urging his side to address the key issues that need fixing. “Firstly, I think we try to look at ourselves,” said Havertz during the post-match interview. “Win games, get points. I think that’s the most frustrating point today. That we didn’t do that. We want to win games. We have to win that game today.” 

The usual trio of Havertz alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli did their best to create chances but it seems Jordan Pickford had plans to mar the night for the Gunners to not help them take all three points. The English goalie made decent saves with the center-back pair of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski also keeping most out of their box. Arsenal too, were good in defensive work but lacked final execution in their finishing.

Continuing to express his frustration, Havertz further mentioned the crucial talking points of the game stating, “I think we controlled the game very well and didn’t allow them any chances. We didn’t manage to score and of course, that’s frustrating because we wanted to win the game.” Well, their frustration is acceptable, considering that they missed a decent opportunity to make the most out of the table!

Kai Havertz calls for a ‘better next game’ as Arsenal failed to capitalize on Liverpool’s misery!

Havertz did have huge praise for Sean Dyche and Co., before doubling down on more learning points from the stalemate. “They are a tough team to break down. They are very solid in the box. Just the little details in the box, we didn’t manage to do them. We didn’t find the final pass. Sometimes I think the positioning in the box wasn’t perfect so we have to look at that and make it better next game.” 

With the draw, Arsenal missed the opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side also played to a 2-2 draw against Fulham, maintaining their spot at the top with 36 points, 5 ahead of Chelsea, who could reduce the gap with a potential win over Brentford. Meanwhile, the Londoners remain third with 30 points.

That said, it’s unfortunate that Arsenal couldn’t capitalize on their game today. Either way, let’s see how things unfold for them potentially in the next game. In the meantime, they may focus on developing what Havertz mentioned about missing things.