Darren Bent has urged Mikel Arteta to make changes to his starting XI following Saturday’s setback against Fulham.
The Gunners appeared to have salvaged a difficult situation having conceded an opening minute goal for the third time this year.
equalised from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaining and when Eddie Nketiah slotted home ’s cross Arteta’s side looked on course to maintain their 100% start to the new season.
Fulham rallied, however, even when they were reduced to 10 men, and found a shock equaliser when Joao Palhinha benefited from slack marking at a set-piece.
Arteta’s side only really showed any sort of attacking cohesiveness once summer signing Kai Havertz was withdrawn midway through the second half after another underwhelming performance.
The former Chelsea forward has now gone three games at his new club without scoring or registering an assist and Bent believes it is time the Germany international was taken out of the firing line ahead of next weekend’s heavyweight clash against Manchester United.
‘Kai Havertz is the biggest one he would’ve raised a lot of eyebrows when Arsenal signed him for that amount of money, £65 million,’ Bent told Sky Sports when asked which player disappointed most against Fulham.
‘I think Arteta is having the same problems that Chelsea found out where do you play him? He’s not a natural No.9 he’s like a No.10 but Odegaard plays there.
‘You’re almost accommodating him just to get him in the team but when you look at the balance of the side out of possession it’s all over the place I think you need to get Odegaard, Partey and Declan Rice and then work from there.
‘At the moment he’s a passenger, he’s got no confidence and that’s unfortunate. I’ve been there, it’s tough. Players are rolling him the ball and he’s taking the wrong option, giving the ball away, not tracking runners.
‘He found it really difficult today and the next game which is against Manchester United they’re going to have to make changes.’
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