Declan Rice's reaction to embarrassing Kai Havertz moment speaks volumes

26 August 2023 , 20:37

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Declan Rice's reaction to embarrassing Kai Havertz moment speaks volumes

Arsenal new-boy Kai Havertz had another tough game against Fulham on Saturday, and team-mate Declan Rice spoke for many fans with his reaction to one of the German's low moments.

Havertz, a summer signing from Chelsea, started at home to Marco Silva's side and had some lively moments in a fluid front four. It didn't last, though, and a particularly wasteful moment in the second period didn't endear him to the home fans.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man received the ball in the Fulham half, with plenty of space to turn and carry it forward. Instead, though, he attempted a first-time ball back to Rice which landed short of his colleague.

After watching Sasa Lukic intercept and start a Fulham break, Rice can be seen waving his arms and gesticulating towards Havertz. The move didn't result in a goal, but Havertz made way for the lively Fabio Vieira just minutes later.

Rice had earlier been left similarly frustrated when Havertz missed the chance to put away a Bukayo Saka cutback from close range. It was one of a number of missed opportunities from the Gunners, who still could have ended up with all three points

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Goals from Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah helped Mikel Arteta's side turn an early deficit into a 2-1 lead, with Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey sent off not long after. However, the 10 men found a late equaliser through Joao Palhinha and held on through nine added minutes.

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Declan Rice showed his frustration with Kai Havertz more than once

The draw meant Arsenal missed the chance to go top of the table and put maximum pressure on Manchester City. The reigning champions are in action on Sunday, taking on a Sheffield United side who they beat in last season's FA Cup semi-final.

Despite Havertz's struggles, Arsenal boss Arteta wasn't unduly worried about his new signing, Havertz was on target in pre-season against Barcelona and the MLS All-Stars, but has yet to break his duck in the league.

"No [I'm not worried]," Arteta told reporters after the game. "I saw an action when he played backwards and he could have turned. That’s more I think the demands of everybody to play forward and to impact the game in the final third because we had the urgency to win.

"Yes I think so," the manager added when asked if he felt Havertz would win the fans over. "I think he’s done already really good things.

"Today it was tough in certain moments. He got in great areas and the ball didn’t arrive. In a lot of situations he should have scored a lot of goals already this season. That’s the thing that is missing there."

Tom Victor