Arsenal's recent FA Cup defeat to Manchester United has brought significant scrutiny to the team's performance, particularly regarding Kai Havertz, who missed several crucial chances, including a penalty in the shootout. Despite the disheartening result, manager Mikel Arteta has defended Havertz, emphasizing the collective struggle of the team rather than singling out individuals for blame. Arteta expressed pride in his players' efforts, noting their dominance in the match, which saw them create a total of 3.15 expected goals but only manage one goal through Gabriel.

Havertz's performance, which included two missed opportunities and a penalty save, has raised questions about his role in the squad, especially with Gabriel Jesus sustaining a knee injury that could sideline him for an extended period. Arteta described Jesus's injury as a "big worry," as the striker had recently found form with six goals in six matches. With the attacking options dwindling, Arteta faces mounting pressure to consider reinforcements in the transfer window, although he has remained non-committal about bringing in new players, focusing instead on maximizing the potential of his current squad.

The loss to United exacerbates Arsenal's ongoing challenges, particularly in cup competitions, and highlights the need for improvement in their attacking efficiency. As the team prepares for a crucial north London derby against Tottenham, Arteta's comments suggest an urgent need to rebuild confidence within the squad while navigating the complexities of injuries and player performance.