"He better not drop a stinker", "90 mins to endure watching him play" - Fans react to Arsenal star's inclusion in XI for Sporting clash
Arsenal fans on X are fearing the worst after Mikel Arteta included Kai Havertz in the starting XI to face Sporting CP in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash. The two sides are set to lock horns at the Estadio Jose Alvalade later tonight (Tuesday, November 26).
David Raya starts in goal for Arsenal. Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori make up the defense. The midfield consists of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz comprise the front three to complete the starting XI.
Havertz was benched during the Gunners' 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League over the weekend but has been preferred to Gabriel Jesus to lead the attack. However, the 25-year-old hasn't always looked convincing in front of goal despite his seven goals and one assist in 17 appearances across competitions this season.
Arsenal fans aren't impressed by this as one posted:
"This is what people would consider our "strongest XI". I'm not too sure about that. Rice LCM has never worked, as he's not one. Thank God Calafiori is playing, that's gonna help Nelli a bit. Havertz better not drop a stinker, we'll be watching. That's all I'm saying."
Another fan tweeted:
"Another 90 minutes to endure watching Havertz play football"
Other fans reacted below:
"Havertz again ffs," one fan commented
"We had. A good game Saturday without Havertz. He will ghost us again today," another added
"Just watch Havertz and Martinelli killing our whole style," one fan tweeted
There’s always that one player who the fans don’t like, but the coach always loves to use. Kai Havertz," another pointed out
How have Arsenal fared in the Champions League this season compared to Sporting CP?
Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side extend their new-found momentum in their Champions League clash against Sporting CP following their recent win against Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal are currently 13th in the UCL table with seven points from four games, five points behind leaders Liverpool. While they defeated Paris Saint-Germain (2-0) and Shakhtar Donetsk (1-0), they lost to Inter Milan (1-0), and drew against Atalanta 0-0.
On the other hand, Sporting CP have fared better, and are second with 10 points, having recorded impressive wins against Manchester City (4-1), SK Sturm Graz (2-0), and Lille (2-0). They drew once, dropping points in a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven.
Despite their rough start, Arsenal have a superior head-to-head record against Sporting CP in Europe. The Gunners have never lost to the latter in their six meetings, winning two games, and drawing four.
