Arsenal must put the Havertz vs Gyokeres debate aside at Anfield

While the fanbase goes into meltdown over the centre-forward situation in Arsenal's squad, the players and Arteta have one clear mission heading to Anfield on Sunday: win.

The Gunners haven't emerged from the storied ground on Merseyside with all three points since September 2012, when goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla secured an Arsene Wenger side learning to cope without talisman Robin van Persie, a much-needed win. 14 years have since passed, and 16 winless trips to the north-west stadium have ensued.

They've come close on a handful of occasions, particularly recently since their resurgence as a force in the Premier League. In 2022/23, the North Londoners were three minutes from beating Liverpool at Anfield, but Roberto Firmino's late goal denied them a famous victory. In 2023/24, they had the lead after four minutes courtesy of a Gabriel Magalhaes header, but were unable to hold on.

This time simply must be different, and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction to finally end the hoodoo.

Kai Havertz must start over Viktor Gyokeres at Anfield

The narrative dominating the Arsenal discourse and dividing the fanbase right now is centred on Arteta's two striker options. Many are lamenting Havertz after his recent drop-off in form, arguing that Gyokeres should be given more opportunities after his 21-goal haul last season. Others are fed up with the Swede's dour hold-up play, and favour the German's technical security.

Ultimately, the debate must be put aside on Sunday, and the obvious pick should be made. Havertz should and likely will start, and fans must get on board with this whether they like it or not. The players will need the 12th man at Anfield.

Arteta has clearly shown that he believes Havertz is the man for the big occasion. Even when the former Chelsea star wasn't fully fit last season, he started away at the Etihad and in the Champions League final.

The truth is, even if you lie on the Gyokeres side of the argument, it's undeniable that the £68 million man struggles against the very best sides. He's consistently anonymous when tasked with battling the most imposing centre-forwards in the league, struggling to get on the end of moves and have an impact on the game.

This is painfully reflected in his stats from last season against the best teams.

In the 2025/26 league season, Gyokeres played 646 minutes against Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa (the league's best teams). He managed five total shots, 0.3 expected goals and 132 touches in these 646 minutes. Crucially, he scored no goals.

The table above shows Viktor Gyokeres' 2025/26 stats in the Premier League vs Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

For context, Havertz took five shots, accumulated 1.25 expected goals and managed 30 touches at the Etihad in May. Martin Odegaard has managed 185 touches in his last 135 minutes of football (Everton at home and second half of Fleetwood away).

Gyokeres is non-existent against the best teams. Attacks go to him to die, as he's unable to hold the ball up, while he isn't remotely a goal threat.

Meanwhile, as much as Havertz can be criticised for often struggling against lesser sides, he consistently shows up against the better teams.

There is no debate to be had over who should start on Sunday.

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