On September 6, 2026, Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory against Chelsea, igniting discussions about the impact of forward Kai Havertz and his ability to replicate the contributions of former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino.
Why it matters: The debate between Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher centers on whether Havertz can fill a role similar to Firmino's, impacting how fans view Arsenal's attacking strategy.
Havertz, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea for £65 million in 2023, has scored 38 goals and provided 18 assists in 114 appearances.
Firmino, who played for Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, recorded 111 goals and 76 assists in 362 matches, playing a key role in the team's success.
The discussion arose during Sky Sports' coverage of Arsenal's recent match, highlighting the contrasting opinions on Havertz's capabilities.
Driving the news: The debate escalated after Arsenal's win over Chelsea, where Havertz scored the equalizer and assisted the winning goal, demonstrating his importance to the team.
During the match, Martin Odegaard assisted Havertz for the winning goal, with Havertz earlier scoring a precise finish at Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's near post.
This marked the first time since December 2024 that Havertz, Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka started three consecutive league games together.
Arsenal remains unbeaten this season, sitting atop the Premier League with maximum points after three matches.
State of play: The tactical debate over Havertz's role reflects broader concerns about Arsenal's attacking options as they aim to defend their Premier League title.
After failing to secure a marquee forward before the transfer deadline, Arsenal's strategy now hinges on the fitness and form of Havertz, Odegaard, and Saka.
Havertz's ability to contribute effectively in various attacking roles is central to Arsenal's strategy moving forward.
In their last three matches, the trio has accounted for all six of Arsenal's goals, highlighting their significance to the team's success.
The big picture: The contrasting views of Neville and Carragher highlight the pressure on Havertz to perform at a high level, especially in comparison to Firmino's legacy.
Neville firmly rejected the comparison, stating that Havertz does not possess Firmino's exceptional qualities, emphasizing the Brazilian's role as a foil for stars like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Firmino's contributions were instrumental in Liverpool's achievements, including winning the Premier League and Champions League.
Carragher defended Havertz, arguing that he could fulfill a similar role, questioning why he couldn't be as effective as Firmino was.
What they're saying: Both pundits expressed strong opinions on the matter, illuminating the divide in perceptions of Havertz's capabilities.
Neville stated, "I don't think Havertz is as good as Firmino in any way, shape, or form," reinforcing his stance on the comparison.
Carragher countered, saying, "It didn't stop Mo Salah with Firmino," attempting to draw parallels between the two players' impacts.
Arteta praised Havertz’s contributions, noting his ability to create chances and link up play effectively, which is key for Arsenal's attacking style.
By the numbers: The statistics paint a clear picture of the differences between Havertz and Firmino, underscoring the expectations placed on the German forward.
Firmino's 111 goals and 76 assists in 362 matches highlight his prolific nature and importance to Liverpool's success.
In comparison, Havertz's 38 goals and 18 assists in 114 appearances show he has room to grow in terms of output.
Arsenal's reliance on their top attacking trio is evident, particularly as they strive to maintain momentum in the Premier League.
Between the lines: The debate reflects on individual player comparisons and on Arsenal's broader strategy as they navigate the season.
With injuries hampering their attacking options in the past, the fitness of Havertz, Odegaard, and Saka is now more important than ever.
Arteta's tactical adjustments have allowed for greater fluidity in the final third, as seen in the match against Chelsea.
The chemistry among Havertz, Odegaard, and Saka is developing, which could lead to more successful combinations as the season progresses.
What's next: Arsenal's upcoming matches will be a litmus test for Havertz's ability to step into a leading role as they face tougher opponents.
As Arsenal looks to defend their Premier League title, maintaining the fitness of their key players will be a priority.
The Gunners will need Havertz to continue developing his partnership with Odegaard and Saka to maximize their attacking potential.
Fans will follow closely closely to see if Havertz can rise to the occasion and prove his worth in comparison to Firmino's storied career.