Mikel Arteta has explained Arsenal’s tactical tweak involving Kai Havertz after deploying the German in a deeper midfield role during the Gunners’ 3–0 win over Sunderland, a move that coincided with Viktor Gyökeres’ continued surge in form.
Arsenal moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday, with Arteta’s evolving structure again underlining the squad’s growing flexibility.
Havertz shifted deeper as Arsenal adjust shape
Against Sunderland, Havertz operated on the right side of a three-man midfield alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. The change marked a notable shift from his more advanced roles earlier in the season.
Arteta said the decision was driven by the type of game Arsenal anticipated and the specific threats they wanted to create between the lines.
“With the kind of game that we expected and the way they play, and the type of threat that we wanted to create with him and Gabby around the three central defenders, it made sense,” — Mikel Arteta
The Arsenal manager stressed that Havertz’s versatility gives him options that other attacking midfielders do not.
“We have very different qualities from Kai to Martin or to Ebs or another attacking midfielder, and that’s something we have to use,” — Mikel Arteta
Gyökeres form allows tactical freedom
Havertz’s deeper role has emerged alongside a clear upturn in Gyökeres’ output. The striker scored twice off the bench against Sunderland and now has six goals in his last eight appearances.
Signed for £64m from Sporting last summer, Viktor Gyökeres endured an uneven start to life in north London. Arteta believes confidence has been the decisive factor in his recent transformation.
“That’s the magic word — confidence,” — Mikel Arteta
Arteta praises striker’s mentality
Arteta highlighted the collective effort behind Gyökeres’ resurgence, pointing to the role played by teammates and staff in helping him settle under intense scrutiny.
“When you feel confident, when you feel important, that’s when you can take your game to the highest level. We’ve all been behind him in every moment, and he’s delivering,” — Mikel Arteta
The Arsenal boss also acknowledged the pressure that comes with leading the line at the Emirates.
“When you put that shirt on, it comes with huge expectations. You have good moments and tough ones, but I love his character and his focus on helping the team in whatever role he has,” — Mikel Arteta
Tactical balance emerging at the right time
With Gyökeres now providing a reliable focal point, Havertz’s redeployment offers Arsenal additional control in midfield without sacrificing attacking threat. The balance between structure and fluidity is becoming increasingly apparent as the season enters its decisive phase.
Key Insights
- Havertz played in a deeper midfield role against Sunderland
- The shift coincides with Gyökeres’ improved goal output
- Arteta cited tactical match-ups and player profiles
- Gyökeres has six goals in his last eight games
- Arsenal’s flexibility is increasing at a crucial stage
What’s Next
Arsenal will look to build on both their tactical evolution and Gyökeres’ momentum as fixtures intensify across competitions. Havertz’s adaptability could remain central to Arteta’s plans, particularly against opponents who sit deep and congest central areas.
Is Havertz’s future at Arsenal now in midfield — or is this simply another weapon Arteta will deploy when needed?
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