Arsenal’s new Bergkamp is yet to start again this season

Much has been made of Arsenal’s so-called pragmatic football this season, but the truth is that Mikel Arteta has produced a world-class outfit over the past few years, now set to win major awards.

Arsenal’s secret is their abundance of personality. Arteta had his side playing like a classy, ​​unstoppable Barcelona during the 2022/23 campaign, that first run in the title race, before evolving into a more organized and patient unit in the last year or two.

There is no question that, this year, the ball flowed as freely as in recent games, but the Gunners are not alone in adopting a more direct approach to play in the Premier League, prioritizing set plays and physical dominance while maintaining efficiency in possession.

Arsenal pride themselves on a top-class defence, with Declan Rice firing on all cylinders, but as Arsenal chase titles in the final stages of the campaign, the forwards are finally roaring in the wings.

How the former Arsenal have lived

He has found fault all season, but Viktor Gyokeres has played a key role in Arsenal’s success this season – especially since Christmas, he has now scored 21 goals in 51 games in an Arsenal shirt.

Is Gyokeres world class? No, probably not. At times, he seemed out of step with Arteta’s tactical world. The 27-year-old averages 5.4 passes per game in the Premier League, and his regular performances have left much to be desired since his £64m move from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

However, now out of control for the striker, his performance against Atletico Madrid was crucial in taking the Gunners to the final, at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest.

He is not alone in filling Arteta’s front row. Bukayo Saka may have only met Atleti at the Emirates, but it may have been the biggest goal of the England star’s career,

With the finish line looming, Arteta may want to field a similar line-up to the past few weeks, even alternating between Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left.

But, in a way that few would have boarded a few weeks ago, one of Arteta’s trusted managers must remain on the bench.

Arteta’s favorite will not start again this season

Arteta likes Kai Havertz. The German international’s opposition and movement in attacking areas make him a valuable part of Arsenal’s system.

However, he is not due to start in the final few weeks, not before Gyokeres, whose ferocious striker has benefited in a bid to reach a first Champions League final in two decades.

Described as a “Bergkamp type of player” by analyst Paul Merson a few years ago, Havertz is one of the best in the business at dotting the i’s and crossing the ut’s up top, even if he’s not the same born scorer as Gyokeres.

The 26-year-old is a very talented striker, but he is also injury-prone and somewhat inconsistent. Against PSG in the final, Arteta will not make an impactful performance for his players.

Arteta loves Havertz, signing him from Chelsea for £65m in 2023, and while his Bergkamp-esque take on the game makes him a valuable asset, his skills should be used after the break, not from the opening whistle.

A lot is on the line for Arsenal in the final few weeks of the season, and with Saka returning to his best form and Gyokeres bringing such a physical and elegant presence to the front of the ship, Arteta may want to keep his squad strong.

Havertz could play a big role in the final few weeks of the season, but so could Gyokeres, who has proven to be the best man in the job at number nine right now.