Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday for a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool, but manager Mikel Arteta will be without several key attacking options. Bukayo Saka remains sidelined for more than a month with a thigh injury sustained in Munich, while Noni Madueke could miss the trip due to an ankle problem. Christos Tzolis has returned to training but has not played for the club in over a month, and youngster Max Dowman begins a three-match ban after his controversial red card.
Havertz's Form a Concern
The absence of first-choice attackers places added scrutiny on Kai Havertz, who has endured a puzzling start to the season. Through 12 games, the German forward has managed no goals and one assist in his last six appearances, averaging fewer shots, goals and non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes than in any previous season at Arsenal. Most strikingly, Havertz has been caught offside 10 times already this campaign — the highest in the league — compared to fewer than one per 90 minutes in prior seasons.
Arteta dismissed suggestions that Havertz's dip is injury-related, noting the player returned early from international duty but has had chances to score. The manager expressed full trust in Havertz, acknowledging that such fluctuations in form and efficiency are common for front-line players. Last season, Havertz thrived as a centre forward with 18 goals and nine assists in 37 league games, and he showed flashes of that quality in the Champions League final and against Manchester City.
Alternative Options Limited
Viktor Gyokeres started against Everton but did not register a shot, averaging just 0.92 shots per 90 minutes — 16th in the squad. His past performances against elite opposition suggest he may not be the answer for a high-stakes game at Anfield. Arteta is therefore likely to persist with Havertz, hoping the 27-year-old can rediscover his rhythm in time for a match that could be decided by "moments players."
Match Details
Liverpool vs. Arsenal kicks off at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 1 at Anfield. The match will be broadcast on USA Network and streamed via fuboTV. Odds list Liverpool at +188, a draw at +230, and Arsenal at +138.
