Mikel Arteta slams ‘incredible’ abuse aimed at Arsenal star after Man Utd defeat
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Mikel Arteta has launched a passionate defence of Kai Havertz after the Arsenal striker was abused after his latest display of wayward finishing. Havertz had largely won over a fanbase who had questioned the decision to spend £65 million on him 18 months ago.
![[Soccer Football - FA Cup - Third Round - Arsenal v Manchester United - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - January 12, 2025 Arsenal's Kai Havertz Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_235766842-72c9.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Arteta’s faith appeared to have been vindicated when Havertz flourished over the course of the second half of last season and appeared to have puthis turbulent spell at Chelsea behind him. The Germany international started the current campaign in fine form and although he has scored 12 times already this season, a difficult week has again sparked a debate as to whether Arsenal need a new striker.
![[Arsenal v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup Third Round]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192977517.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Havertz missed one glorious chance to haul the the Gunners back into last week’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg against Newcastle, and his shooting boots let him down again on Sunday. The 25-year-old’s missed penalty ultimately proved decisive in the shootout and prompted a stream of abuse on social media.
Havertz’s wife shared some of the sickening messages her partner received with one so-called fan declaring ‘I hope you have a miscarriage.’. Asked for a response to the bile and outrage, Arteta issued a powerful response and said: ‘It’s incredible honestly. We have to really do something about it, because accepting this I think has terrible consequences.
