Kai Havertz, 5 other Arsenal players leaves Mikel Arteta disappointed in Fulham draw

An intense London derby saw Arsenal held to a 2-2 draw by 10-man Fulham, leaving Mikel Arteta red-faced and the Gunners grappling with missed opportunities.

While Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah managed to secure goals for Arsenal, Joao Palhinha‘s late equalizer dealt a blow to their ambitions. Here are five crucial takeaways from the enthralling clash that left Arteta with plenty to ponder.

Kai Havertz epitomized Arsenal’s initial struggles, displaying a lack of sharpness and lapses in positioning.

The German’s mistimed runs resulted in needless offside calls, disrupting promising attacking moves. Havertz had an opportunity to equalize but failed to capitalize, symbolizing his underwhelming start at the Emirates Stadium.

READ ALSO: Todd Boehly orders Mauricio Pochettino not to pick Chelsea star 

Questions are surfacing regarding Arteta’s decision to acquire the 24-year-old from Chelsea.

Arteta’s eyebrow-raising choice of starting without a recognized striker, deploying Leandro Trossard as a makeshift No. 9, invited scrutiny.

Trossard’s half-time substitution for Eddie Nketiah signaled a tactical adjustment, with Fabio Vieira also introduced.

Although the presence of a natural striker improved Arsenal’s offensive dynamics, the struggle to convert chances persists, raising concerns for Arteta.

Aaron Ramsdale, once deemed Arsenal’s undisputed No. 1, now faces competition with the arrival of David Raya.

Ramsdale’s early blunder handed Fulham an advantage, as his positioning error allowed Andreas Pereira’s long-range strike to find the net.

The goalkeeper’s misjudgment underscored his vulnerability, creating uncertainty around his position in the starting lineup.

Arsenal’s laborious display stemmed from several star players underperforming. Odegaard, Havertz, Martinelli, and Trossard struggled to make a significant impact, with Odegaard’s uncharacteristic turnovers raising eyebrows.

The lack of cohesion among these key figures hindered Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, demanding improvement in their collective contributions.

Young midfielder Fabio Vieira emerged as a game-changer, providing Arteta with food for thought regarding his Arsenal future.

Vieira’s introduction from the bench injected energy into Arsenal’s play. His clever footwork drew a penalty after he breezed past Kenny Tete, allowing Saka to convert from the spot.

READ ALSO: Raheem Sterling aims dig at Graham Potter after Chelsea defeated Luton

Vieira’s artful cross facilitated Nketiah’s goal, highlighting his potential and raising hopes for more opportunities in the Arsenal setup.

While Arsenal showcased moments of promise, the draw against 10-man Fulham exposed areas that require refinement.

Arteta faces the challenge of harnessing the potential of his squad’s star players, rectifying defensive lapses, and fine-tuning his tactical approach.

The London derby serves as a reminder that the Premier League demands consistency and adaptability, leaving Arteta with valuable insights as he navigates the complexities of steering Arsenal toward success.