Richards Keys has once again hit out at Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta for trying to be ‘too clever’ and has given a withering assessment of Kai Havertz, describing him as ‘Mesut Ozil without talent’.
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The Germany international has had a difficult start to life in north London, failing to score or assist in his first three Premier League outings after being mercilessly mocked for his woeful performance in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge in pre-season.
He was hauled off after just 56 minutes against Fulham on Saturday despite the team needing a goal, with Fabio Vieira – who won a penalty moments later – coming on in his place.
Arteta defended Havertz afterwards, saying he did ‘really good things’ and ‘got in great areas’, but Keys has now mocked both the player and the manager and believes the Arsenal boss is overcomplicating things.
Referencing Arteta’s press conference, Keys quoted the Spaniard’s comments on beIN SPORTS and said: ‘He got in great areas but the ball didn’t arrive… so did I yesterday and the ball didn’t arrive, so I was about as much use as this individual.
‘No goals, no assists in three games, but he got into some great areas.’
He continued: ‘I didn’t think I’d find myself quoting Piers Morgan in this programme ever, but I’m going to. Piers is right. [Arteta is being] too clever.
‘Get back to a back four with all the things that made them strong last season and stop messing around.
‘Now don’t jump down my throat when I say this, let me finish the statement: Havertz is the new Ozil… without the talent.
‘And the reason I say that is because both are enigmas. They didn’t know what to do with Ozil so they sold him! And now they’ve gone and bought Havertz.
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‘I’m talking about under Arteta. Arteta couldn’t handle him. He’s like Guardiola, neither of them can handle big players with big personalities.’
Studio pundit Andy Gray chimed in: ‘Havertz isn’t [a big personality]. I’ve said this since Havertz went to Chelsea, I know he’s a German international, I know they still pick him, but I have not seen it.’
Asked if Havertz can win over the doubters, Arteta said on Saturday: ‘Yes I think so and I think he’s done already really good things.
‘Today it was tough for him in certain moments. He got in great areas again today and the ball didn’t arrive and a lot of situations he should’ve scored a lot of goals already this season and that is the thing that is missing.’
MORE : Darren Bent slams Arsenal star Kai Havertz after Fulham setback
MORE : Mikel Arteta issues apology to Arsenal star Fabio Vieira for lack of game time
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