EPL: Jamie Carragher Tips Arteta to Prefer Kai Havertz Over Viktor Gyokeres in Arsenal’s Key Matches

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has shared his opinion on Arsenal’s attacking selection, suggesting that manager Mikel Arteta will continue to rely on Kai Havertz over Viktor Gyokeres in crucial Premier League games this season.

Gyokeres, who made a high-profile switch from Sporting CP to Arsenal this summer, started ahead of Havertz during the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Manchester United last Sunday. Despite his promising reputation, the Swedish international struggled to make an impact.

According to match statistics, Gyokeres registered just 21 touches and failed to record a single shot on target before being substituted in the 60th minute. Arteta introduced Havertz, who added more control to Arsenal’s midfield and attacking transitions.

The Gunners eventually secured a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive strike. However, Carragher believes that Gyokeres’ underwhelming display may see him relegated to the bench, especially when Arsenal face stronger opposition.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher predicted that Havertz’s tactical importance to Arteta would make him a guaranteed starter in high-pressure fixtures, particularly when Arsenal clash with Liverpool later this month.

“If I’m being honest, I think Arsenal will return to Havertz in the big games,” Carragher stated.

“I can see Gyokeres playing and scoring goals, especially against mid-table sides. Next week, they face Leeds, and he might feature again. But when it comes to the Liverpool match, I would be very surprised if Havertz is not in the starting XI.

In Arteta’s eyes, Havertz is too valuable and influential to be sidelined on a regular basis.”

This insight highlights the tactical dilemma facing Arsenal: balancing Gyokeres’ goal-scoring potential with Havertz’s experience and versatility. As the season unfolds, Arteta will likely rotate, but Carragher insists that in Arsenal’s biggest Premier League clashes, Havertz will remain the trusted option.