In Focus: Arsenal Hav options when it comes to Kai

Kai Havertz started at centre forward as Arsenal beat Manchester City in last weekend's Community Shield on penalties. 

Having played in that position for Chelsea with mixed results, Mikel Arteta opted to utilise his new signing in a similar role for the campaign's curtain-raiser. 

The Germany international held the ball up well and produced flashes of quality but struggled in front of goal, as he did with the Blues. 

With Arsenal set to begin their Premier League term against Nottingham Forest today, we take a look at where Havertz might best fit in.

Missed chances

Havertz hit the target with both of his shots against City but should have converted at least one, twice being denied by Stefan Ortega from close range. 

Finishing is not the 24-year-old's strongest suit — he recorded an xG of 11.5 in the Premier League last season but only scored seven goals. 

If that trend continues, Arteta may be hesitant to stick with Havertz up front. 

Additionally, Gabriel Jesus is expected to return within a few weeks and will almost certainly occupy the central position in Arsenal's front three.

Target man

Arteta suggested in pre-season that Havertz could play something of a wildcard role at Arsenal. 

Capable of operating as either a midfielder or a forward, the German gives his new side plenty of options and valuable depth.

Havertz's height also offers Arsenal some adaptability in terms of playing style.

The Arsenal boss said: "[Havertz] gives us something different. 

"His height for example, where he can be a target man if we need to beat the press."

Midfield option

Given his technical qualities, Havertz seems more comfortable operating in midfield. 

But with Thomas Partey and Declan Rice operating in deeper areas and Odegaard undroppable in the advanced midfield role, opportunities may be limited. 

Passing remains a strong area for Havertz, who completed 15 of his 16 attempts in the Community Shield. 

Last season's stats also suggest he can thrive as a facilitator, with no Chelsea player creating more chances (38) or completing more passes in the final third (330).

Flexibility

Arteta previously revealed his plan to utilise Havertz in different positions.

He said: "[Havertz is] playing at centre-attacking midfield for now but I'm sure throughout the season he’ll be used in different positions." 

Havertz insisted last year that he is open to playing wherever the team needs him.

He said: "I'm flexible up front and I can play a lot of different positions. 

"I like to be in the box, I like to score goals, I like to arrive in the box often and I don't care if I'm there as a No9 or a No10. 

"If I'm in the box, I'm there to score goals and that's it."

Forest focus

Despite Jesus being absent for Arsenal's opening Premier League game against Forest, Havertz has been deployed in midfield with Eddie Nketiah up top.

Havertz's versatility within a 4-3-3 system could make him a shrewd addition, although Gunners fans may start to lose patience if he regularly misses chances. 

A goal against Forest would certainly help to ease the pressure.