Why Havertz Remains Irreplaceable in Arsenal’s System

Carra insists Gyokeres will not replace Havertz in Arsenal system

Kai Havertz remains central to Mikel Arteta’s tactical vision for Arsenal and Viktor Gyokeres is unlikely to dislodge him as the starting number nine. Former players analysing Arsenal’s attacking structure emphasised the specific role Havertz occupies in Arteta’s system, rather than comparing individual talent.

PedTalks research indicates the debate focused on how Arsenal now build their attacks. The consensus: Havertz is not a conventional striker and Arsenal do not ask him to play like one.

Why Havertz is so important to Arteta’s number nine role

Analysts highlighted that Havertz functions as far more than a finisher. He acts as a connector between midfield and attack, a facilitator for Arsenal’s wide threats, and a pressing trigger in the first line out of possession.

He frequently drops into pockets between the lines, operating closer to an advanced midfielder than a penalty box poacher. That movement drags centre backs into uncomfortable areas, creates space for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to attack from wide, and allows Martin Ødegaard to push higher.

Arteta’s number nine position demands:

1. Constant rotation with the advanced eight
2. Intelligent pressing angles to block passing lanes into midfield
3. Aerial presence for long build up when opponents press high
4. Link play with first touch layoffs and wall passes

Havertz excels in those areas. His timing when dropping short, his ability to receive under pressure, and his awareness of runners around him make him an ideal reference point. Even when he does not score, he shapes how Arsenal attack.

PedTalks team sources suggest Arteta values his capacity to interpret different game states. When Arsenal need control, Havertz drops deep to form an extra midfield body. When they need penetration, he pins defenders and attacks the space between centre back and full back.

Gyokeres profile compared to Havertz

The discussion around Viktor Gyokeres centred on profile rather than quality. Gyokeres is a powerful, direct striker who thrives when running in behind or driving at defenders in transition. He offers aggression in the penalty area, relentless pressing and a more traditional centre forward threat.

Some within the game view Gyokeres as an excellent alternative option, particularly for matches that demand more penalty box presence and a higher shot volume from central areas. However, this profile does not naturally replicate what Havertz offers in link play and positional fluidity.

Gyokeres prefers to stay high on the last line, attack crosses and break into space behind a high defensive line. Havertz prefers to drop off, combine with midfielders and overload central zones. That difference is critical for how Arsenal structure their possession.

In Arteta’s current model, the number nine often vacates the traditional striker space to allow wingers to arrive centrally. With Gyokeres as a permanent nine, Arsenal would likely need to modify the positioning of Ødegaard, the left eight and the wingers to maintain balance.

Tactical flexibility rather than a straight swap

The key takeaway was that the conversation should not be framed as Havertz versus Gyokeres for the same job. Instead, it is Havertz for the system Arteta has refined, and Gyokeres as a different tool for different tactical plans.

Havertz gives Arsenal:

1. Positional versatility across the front line and midfield
2. Technical security in tight spaces
3. Subtle movement that opens lanes for team mates
4. Aerial threat on set pieces at both ends

Gyokeres gives Arsenal:

1. A more direct goal threat from central areas
2. Strong hold up play against physically dominant centre backs
3. Constant running behind that stretches defences
4. A focal point for crosses from both flanks

PedTalks research indicates that Arteta views squad building as a way to create varied attacking solutions. Havertz underpins the default structure, while a striker like Gyokeres offers a different attacking scheme when game state, opponent style or form demand change.

Elite sides rarely rely on a single fixed idea. Arsenal can start with Havertz to control tempo and exploit rotations, then introduce a more direct number nine later in games when opponents tire or sit deeper.

Why benching Havertz would alter Arsenal’s identity

The strongest argument against Gyokeres simply taking Havertz’s place was that it would reshape Arsenal’s identity in possession. Havertz is a crucial reference point for automatisms that Arteta has drilled repeatedly.

When Havertz drops, the left back, left eight and left winger all adjust in unison. That chain reaction creates triangles on the flank or central overloads in the half space. The right side often mirrors those movements, with Ødegaard combining inside while Saka holds width.

Removing Havertz from that structure would not just swap one player for another. It would change where the first pass goes, where the second runner appears, and how deep the opposition defence feels comfortable holding its line.

There is also a psychological element. Havertz’s late season surge in form and goals has earned him significant trust from Arteta and team mates. Stripping him of his starting status without a major tactical reorientation would send a mixed message about performance and adaptation.

Conclusion: Havertz stays central, Gyokeres adds options

The overarching conclusion was that Kai Havertz is integral to how Arsenal play, particularly in high profile matches where control and structure are vital. Viktor Gyokeres, or any comparable centre forward, would provide valuable depth and an alternative route to goal, but not a straight path to displacing Havertz.

Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta has been built on detailed positional play and choreographed movements. Havertz fits that vision, and his importance to the number nine role means any new striker is likely to complement him, not replace him.