Gary Lineker has given his verdict on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s actions towards Kai Havertz at the end of the match against Brentford.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker and BBC Match of the Day pundit was not impressed.
So, what has Gary Lineker said about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Kai Havertz? Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, Arsenal beat Brentford 1-0 away from home in the Premier League this past weekend. Kai Havertz scored the only goal in the London derby.
The Germany international midfielder did not start the match. He came on as a substitute and made a huge impact.
After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta dragged the former Chelsea player to the Arsenal fans at the away end.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker was not particularly impressed.
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The BBC Match of the Day pundit has said that he thought that it was “slightly patronising”.
Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast: “It was quite interesting at the end of the game that Arteta went up and he was so pleased for Havertz, but he almost dragged him to the Arsenal fans with his arm around his neck and you can see Havertz thinking this is a bit embarrassing!
“And he was taking him to the fans to get the round of applause and I thought it was slightly patronising but he deserved his round of applause from the Arsenal fans, so well done Havertz.”
Arsenal fans should be patient with Kai Havertz
In my view, Arsenal fans should be confident about Kai Havertz. Yes, one goal does not mean that the Germany international is going to explode now, but it will certainly give him a lot of confidence.
Havertz will be aware of how much he has to do more at Arsenal. The 24-year-old Germany international forward has not been a huge success at the Gunners, and he will be desperate to get things right at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta’s actions towards Havertz at the end of the match against Brentford show how much the Arsenal boss wants him to succeed. It is not going to be easy, but I believe that there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Arsenal are aiming to win the Premier League title this season as well as make an impact in the UEFA Champions League.