Steve McManaman defends Arsenal forwards Gyokeres and Havertz amid tactical criticism
Former Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman has sympathy for Arsenal strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, arguing Arteta's conservative system leaves them unfairly blamed when the team prioritises defence over entertainment. Speaking after Arsenal's 2-1 Champions League win over Slavia Prague midweek, McManaman told Metro UK: "They defend very deep as a whole. Gyokeres and Havertz sometimes get the blame because of that. It is the midfielders and the defenders that we talk about."
The Gunners sit top of the Premier League with 24 points and face Hull City at Emirates Stadium this Saturday. For Nigerian fans tracking the title race, the debate matters: Arsenal's pragmatic approach has delivered results but frustrates supporters accustomed to Wenger-era flair. Gyokeres, signed for big money this summer, has struggled to replicate his Sporting Lisbon form in a system that limits service.
McManaman's point resonates with anyone who's watched Arsenal dominate possession yet create few clear chances—the forwards become easy targets when the real issue is structural. Arteta's priority is clearly control over chaos, and the table suggests it's working.
Will Arsenal's pragmatic style sustain a title challenge through the festive fixture pile-up, or will the lack of attacking freedom eventually cost them against teams that sit deep and counter?