Fans criticize the boring opening night of Havertz and the whole Arsenal

Arsenal fans from all over Central Europe flocked to Germany, but their favourites didn’t make them too happy. They couldn’t beat the second Bundesliga team and had to defend the 1-1 draw at the end.

There was a friendly atmosphere in the Nuremberg Arena, both side stands were sold out, but only the home team were interested in football. While six months ago in Sparta’s dress rehearsal before the start of the spring season they looked like amateurs, this time they were perhaps even better.

A goal and then nothing

Already the opening minutes indicated that Nuremberg would not only defend. Playing combinatively from behind, the Gunners struck from a rare chance that stemmed from the individual qualities of Bukay Saka. The English winger fired dangerously once more, but otherwise Arsenal were silent.

Neither Eddie Nketiah nor substitute Gabriel Jesus were noticed by the inattentive spectators on the pitch, not to mention Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson. Nuremberg even went for the win at the end.

Criticism and defence of Havertz

Kai Havertz, the newest signing, jumped into the second half. The German all-rounder played primarily on the left and didn’t get any real chances. At the same time, it cannot be said that he did anything significant to create chances, rather he was running around the pitch.

The Chelsea summer signing was immediately slammed by fans on social media. They asked why such a player was coming on instead of young talents from the academy, and if he would be this lazy in sharp matches. The other part of the comments were y quieter ones, asking for time for Havertz.

It’s just a preparation

Although Arsenal didn’t really send the ideal message towards the fans, it was still the second of five preparatory games. The Gunners still have realistic tests in the form of Manchester United, Barcelona and Monaco.

The key for the club at the moment is the health of the mainstays. Bukayo Saka was substituted at half-time in Nuremberg after lying on the ground before the break, while Martin Odegaard developed complications during the warm-up. Those would be big losses.

Source: Instagram, Arsenal