In a scathing critique, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has lambasted Arsenal for allowing Kai Havertz to take a penalty during their Premier League victory over Bournemouth last weekend.
The Gunners secured a comprehensive 4-0 win at the Vitality Stadium, with goals from Bukayo Saka, Havertz, and Ben White.
Saka and Odegaard had propelled Mikel Arteta’s side to a comfortable 2-0 lead by halftime.
However, less than 10 minutes into the second half, Bournemouth defender Ryan Christie brought down Odegaard in the box, gifting Arsenal a penalty opportunity.
While Saka and Odegaard are usually entrusted with penalty duties, the ball unexpectedly ended up with Havertz, who had failed to find the back of the net for Arteta’s team in nine previous matches across various competitions.
Nevertheless, the German international calmly converted the penalty, securing his first goal for Arsenal. Nicol, however, deemed the decision to allow Havertz to take the penalty as a display of unprofessionalism by the team.
“When Arsenal’s life depends on it, Saka takes it or Odegaard takes it,” Nicol expressed to ESPN.
“Havertz doesn’t take it. So at 2-0, the game is not over. This demonstrates a lack of professionalism.”
He added, “What if he had missed it and Bournemouth had managed to score two late goals? That is not the approach you take. When you are the coach of a team, allowing such decisions to happen can have a ripple effect. You need to be precise. Orders are orders.”
