Just One Game In, Arsenal Already Miss Kai Havertz

LONDON, THURSDAY - Arsenal lost crucial points at Brentford due to issues in their attacking third and defensive third. The best solution to this problem was the presence of attacking midfielder Kai Havertz, who was announced to be injured a day before the match. Arsenal missed him greatly.

League leaders Arsenal failed to extend their maximum lead over closest rivals Manchester City. "The Gunners" now hold a four-point advantage over City after drawing 1-1 with Brentford in the continuation of the English Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium, London, Friday (13/2/2026) early morning WIB.

Arsenal struggled significantly against the home team, and they were fortunate to return with points. This is evidenced by the statistics. The visiting team recorded only seven shots, their lowest number in the Premier League this season, despite having nearly 60 percent possession. Brentford posed a greater threat with 12 shots.

"Disappointed because we only earned one point. This is a difficult place to visit," said Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who is also a former Brentford player.

"We were able to address the issues with a goal in the second half. I thought that was enough, but it turned out they were very dangerous from set pieces and we conceded," he said afterward.

The team managed by Manager Mikel Arteta was only able to score the opening goal in the 61st minute. This came from a speculative cross by wing-back Piero Hincapie, finished off with a header by winger Noni Madueke. They required a great deal of luck as they struggled to penetrate the opponent's extremely low defensive block.

The issue of Arsenal's creativity was very apparent, especially in the first 45 minutes of the match. Attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze was immediately replaced by Martin Odegaard after halftime due to his lack of contribution. The visiting team managed only one shot that was off target throughout the first half.

It is not surprising that "The Cannoneers" are experiencing issues in their attacking line. They arrived without Havertz, who had been heavily relied upon by Arteta after returning from a long injury. Unfortunately, the German national team player must sit out again for several weeks due to a muscle injury.

Today we lacked a few things to win.

In the last four matches across all competitions, Havertz has contributed two goals and two assists. He has been deployed as a starting player three times since returning from injury. As a result, Arsenal has consistently scored at least three goals in those matches. Their attack has truly become fluid.

Havertz is a player with a very complete profile. He can play in various positions simultaneously, ranging from striker, attacking midfielder, to winger. This versatility makes him extremely valuable for Arsenal. He is given the freedom to move in the opponent's final third, making Arsenal's attacks very difficult to predict.

Arsenal's problems became evident in the last half hour of normal time. Brentford played very intensely, daring to attack more. The home team's high press was very troublesome for Odegaard and his teammates. Arsenal players had to repeatedly send long passes from the defense due to panic.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews stated that it does not take a genius to see which team deserved to win. "We showed a sensational reaction after falling behind. We became increasingly confident, demonstrating the courage to compete with them," he said.

Arsenal's advantage lasted only ten minutes. Brentford equalized through a throw-in scheme. The long throw successfully created a scramble that was executed by winger Keane Lewis-Potter.

The goal was scored because Odegaard lost a physical duel with Lewis-Potter.

The visiting team had no answer after the score was leveled again. When attempting to build an attack from the back, Arsenal struggled due to the intense pressure from Brentford. They tried to send long passes, but were also thwarted in aerial duels. Striker Viktor Gyokeres found it difficult as he was relied upon alone in aerial confrontations.

The issue deepens Arsenal's longing for Havertz. The tall man, standing at 193 centimeters, is the most reliable player in physical duels. Arsenal's ability to win the ball would be enhanced when he is on the field. Perhaps, the equalizing goal could have also been prevented if Havertz were in Odegaard's position.

The match against Brentford was sufficient to demonstrate how important Havertz is for Arsenal. Arteta must quickly find a temporary solution to fill the role of the player. Havertz is confirmed to be absent in the next two league matches, against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.

These two matches will be crucial in the context of the championship title race. "At this moment, we can only focus on preparing to win in every match. Of course, we need to improve both the collective and individual levels within this team. Today, we are lacking in several aspects to secure a victory," said Arteta. (AP/REUTERS)