Arsenal star was brilliant in new role vs Spurs, more touches than Saliba & Gabriel | OneFootball

Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 1-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Gunners went into the game without seven key players, including midfield duo Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

This forced manager Mikel Arteta into a tactical switch. Jorginho came into the team to partner Thomas Partey in midfield.

Kai Havertz played in the number 10 role with Leandro Trossard leading the attack as the false nine.

Havertz did not make any goal contributions in the derby, but he was brilliant with his clearances and duel-winning ability.

The German won an impressive 12 aerial and ground duels with five headed clearances – four of those from set-pieces.

The 25-year-old had the most touches for any Arsenal player (51) and worked hard for the team with and without possession.

Havertz had to adapt to a different role and he did his job with relative success.

Arsenal have moved up to second in the Premier League table with 10 points, two behind leaders Manchester City.

The Gunners face the Cityzens at the Etihad Stadium in their next league outing on September 22.

Prior to that, Arsenal will start their Champions League campaign with an away trip to Atalanta on Thursday evening.

The Gunners have a testing schedule with less than 72 hours to prepare for the City game. There could be some changes in midweek.

Havertz has been ever-present under Arteta, and he could continue in his new role against the Serie A outfit.

There is no return date for Odegaard. The Norwegian is undergoing further tests after suffering an ankle injury.

Stats from Fotmob.com.