# Arsenal’s attacking challenge ahead of Liverpool
Arsenal face a major test at Anfield against Liverpool, and Kai Havertz’s form could prove decisive. The versatile forward has shown he can lead the line in big matches, but he enters the Premier League showdown amid a dip in output and an unusual run of offside decisions.
Arsenal’s attacking options are also stretched. Bukayo Saka is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Noni Madueke and Christos Tzolis are doubts. Youngster Max Dowman is suspended. That leaves Mikel Arteta looking to the players available to provide the finishing touch Arsenal may need against Liverpool.
## Why Kai Havertz’s form is under scrutiny
Havertz has gone six appearances without a goal and has recorded one assist since returning from the latest international break. During that stretch, he has struggled to connect Arsenal’s attack and make a consistent threat in front of goal.
Arteta has dismissed the idea that Havertz’s recent injury history explains the downturn. The Arsenal manager acknowledged that the numbers have fallen, but noted that the forward has still had chances to make an impact.
Those opportunities were evident in Arsenal’s EFL Cup defeat to Fleetwood. Havertz took seven shots and produced 0.72 expected goals, but did not turn that volume into the decisive contribution Arsenal needed.
## A sharp change from Havertz’s best Arsenal form
Havertz has previously shown how effective he can be as Arsenal’s center forward. His move into the role helped spark a standout Premier League campaign, when he recorded 18 goals and nine assists across 37 appearances.
He has also delivered in high-pressure matches, including strong performances against Manchester City and in the Champions League final. That record gives Arteta reason to keep faith with the Germany international, even as his current form raises questions.
Havertz’s value to Arsenal extends beyond scoring. When at his best, he helps link the attack, creates space for teammates and offers a different profile up front. Finding that version of the forward could be important against Liverpool.
## Havertz’s offside numbers stand out
One of the most unusual trends in Havertz’s start to the season is his frequency of being caught offside. He has been flagged 10 times in the Premier League, the highest total in the division at this point.
Before this season, Havertz had generally been caught offside less than once per 90 minutes. The increase may partly reflect the small sample of matches and the defenses Arsenal have faced, including Aston Villa’s high line. But some of the calls have also appeared to come from runs made too early.
That timing issue may point to a forward who is out of rhythm with his teammates. Against Liverpool, improving his movement and understanding with the players supplying him could be just as important as his finishing.
## Could Viktor Gyökeres replace Havertz?
Viktor Gyökeres is another option for Arteta, and he started in Arsenal’s win over Everton. However, the available numbers offer little reason to assume he is the obvious solution at Anfield. Gyökeres has averaged 0.92 shots per 90 minutes this season, and his recent performances have not consistently produced a strong goal threat.
Havertz, by contrast, has a track record of influencing important matches and fitting Arteta’s system. The manager has publicly backed him, making it likely that Arsenal will look to the German forward to rediscover his sharpness.
## Can Havertz respond against Liverpool?
Arsenal need a decisive performance at Anfield, particularly with several attacking players unavailable or uncertain. Havertz is not in his best form, but his previous performances for the club show why Arteta continues to trust him.
The key will be getting back in sync: making runs at the right moment, connecting with teammates and converting chances into goals. If Havertz can find his rhythm, he could give Arsenal the finishing threat they need in a demanding Premier League clash.
## Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Match information
– **Date:** Sunday, November 1
– **Kickoff:** 11:30 a.m. ET
– **Venue:** Anfield, Liverpool, United Kingdom
– **TV:** USA Network
– **Live stream:** FuboTV