Kai Havertz and a Tale of Two Clubs – Arsenal vs Chelsea

Kai Havertz’s journey from Chelsea to Arsenal is more than just a tale of two clubs; it’s a story of transformation. At Stamford Bridge, he was a versatile but inconsistent performer, often a victim of Chelsea’s chaotic environment. At Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta’s clear tactical guidance, Havertz has evolved into a defined role as a striker and focal point in the attack. This evolution reflects not only his personal growth but also how tactical clarity and team dynamics can shape a footballer’s contributions.

In this analysis, we explore the critical differences between Havertz’s time at Chelsea and Arsenal, focusing on his roles, performance metrics, and the broader themes of adaptation and growth.

Chelsea: A Talent Without Definition

When Chelsea signed Havertz in 2020 for a then-club record £72 million, expectations were sky-high. A creative powerhouse at Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz’s arrival promised to inject flair and versatility into Chelsea’s attack. However, his three seasons at Stamford Bridge were defined by inconsistency, positional fluidity, and unmet potential.

Tactical Role at Chelsea

At Chelsea, Havertz was deployed across multiple positions—false nine, attacking midfielder, and occasionally as a winger. This tactical flexibility showcased his adaptability but ultimately hindered his development. His responsibilities often changed depending on the manager, whether it was Frank Lampard’s reliance on his creativity or Thomas Tuchel’s preference for him as a false nine.

• Positional Ambiguity: Havertz lacked a defined tactical identity, frequently dropping deep to link play or drifting wide to create space. While he excelled at connecting the midfield and attack, he rarely played in areas where he could directly influence the game in the final third.
• Defensive Demands: Tuchel’s system emphasized pressing and defensive organization, requiring Havertz to focus on off-ball work. While he was competent in this regard, it limited his freedom to express himself creatively.

Performance Metrics at Chelsea

Havertz’s output at Chelsea reflected his struggle to adapt to these demands:

• Non-Penalty Goals (NPG): Averaged 0.25 per 90 minutes—respectable but not elite for an attacking player.
• Non-Penalty Expected Goals (xG): Recorded 0.41 per 90, suggesting limited chances in high-quality scoring areas.
• Open Play Expected Assists (xA): Managed 0.17 per 90, reflecting decent creativity but far from his potential.
• Aerial Duels: Won just 2.16 per 90, underutilizing his 6’4” frame.

Key Moment: The Champions League Final

Despite his struggles, Havertz delivered one of Chelsea’s most iconic moments: the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City. This moment cemented his place in club history but also highlighted his underutilized knack for decisive contributions in critical moments.

Arsenal: A Player Reborn

In 2023, Havertz made the controversial move to Arsenal in a £65 million transfer. Arteta envisioned a clear role for the German international, one that transitioned over time—from a left-sided central midfielder to a striker and focal point in Arsenal’s attack.

Tactical Role at Arsenal

Initially, Havertz was deployed as a left-sided midfielder in Arsenal’s 4-3-3 system. His responsibilities included linking midfield and attack, pressing aggressively, and contributing aerially in both defense and attack. However, it wasn’t until Arteta shifted him to the striker role that Havertz truly flourished.

• Closer to Goal: As a striker, Havertz operates primarily in and around the box, utilizing his height and late runs to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
• Aerial Presence: His physicality has become a major asset, with Arsenal leveraging his ability to win aerial duels in both offensive and defensive phases.
• Interplay with Wide Players: Havertz’s movement off the ball complements Arsenal’s wide attackers, creating space for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to thrive.

Performance Metrics at Arsenal

Havertz’s numbers as Arsenal’s striker highlight his transformation:

• Non-Penalty Goals (NPG): Improved to 0.4 per 90, a significant leap that reflects his increased scoring responsibility.
• Non-Penalty Expected Goals (xG): Slightly higher at 0.44 per 90, indicating more consistent positioning in high-quality scoring areas.
• Open Play Expected Assists (xA): Increased to 0.2 per 90, showing he remains a creative contributor.
• Aerial Duels: Winning 3.19 per 90, showcasing his dominance in the air and enhanced role in transitions and set pieces.

Key Moment: Breakthrough as a Striker

A standout performance came when Havertz scored a brace in a critical match against his former club Chelsea, demonstrating his ability to combine intelligent movement and clinical finishing. These games underline how his new role has unlocked his potential.

Key Differences Between Chelsea and Arsenal

1. Tactical Clarity: At Arsenal, Havertz has a defined role as a striker, while at Chelsea, his versatility often left him without a clear identity.
2. Goal-Scoring Output: His improved NPG and xG at Arsenal reflect better positioning and finishing.
3. Aerial Dominance: Arsenal utilizes his height more effectively, making him a pivotal figure in set pieces and transitions.
4. System Fit: Arsenal’s cohesive, well-structured approach suits Havertz better than Chelsea’s fluctuating tactics during his tenure.

Havertz in His Own Words

Reflecting on his move, Havertz said: “At Arsenal, I feel more confident. My role is clearer, and I can focus on what I do best—scoring goals and helping the team win.” His comments highlight the importance of tactical clarity and environment in unlocking a player’s potential.

Conclusion: A Player in Full Bloom

Kai Havertz’s evolution from Chelsea to Arsenal demonstrates how clarity of role and tactical fit can transform a player’s career. At Chelsea, he was a versatile but inconsistent performer, hampered by positional ambiguity and systemic instability. At Arsenal, a shift to the striker role under Mikel Arteta has allowed him to thrive, becoming a focal point in one of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacks.

Havertz’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and the right environment. While Chelsea fans will always remember his Champions League heroics, his time at Arsenal is shaping up to be the phase where he fully realizes his potential as one of Europe’s most versatile forwards.