Credit: Twitter
Arsenal fans were left disappointed by the performance of their new signing Kai Havertz in the Cross & Volley challenge during the club's pre-season tour of the United States. The Germany international, who joined the Gunners from Chelsea for £65 million last month, failed to score a single goal in his attempt, becoming the first player to do so in the history of the challenge.
The Cross & Volley challenge is a skill-based competition that involves players receiving crosses from their teammates and trying to score with volleys, bicycle kicks, or other acrobatic finishes. Each goal is worth 25 points, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
Havertz, who scored nine goals for Chelsea last season, looked out of sorts as he missed the target with all of his shots. He blazed some over the bar, hit the woodwork with others, and was denied by the MLS All-Stars goalkeepers on a few occasions.
Watch the video here:
Check another angle of Havertz's missed shots:
In contrast, his Arsenal teammate Folarin Balogun scored three goals and earned 75 points for his team. The MLS All-Stars were led by LAFC forward Dénis Bouanga, who scored four goals and racked up 95 points with some spectacular strikes.
Havertz's poor display drew criticism from some Arsenal fans on social media, who questioned his quality and suitability for the club. Some Chelsea fans also mocked their former player, who had struggled to live up to his price tag at Stamford Bridge. However, some Arsenal supporters defended Havertz and urged patience, pointing out that he was still adapting to a new team and a new role.
Although Havertz has not yet impressed in the Premier League, his talent is unquestionable, the German international has failed to adapt to one of the best leagues in the World, and Arsenal fans will hope that Mikel Arteta can get the best out of the 24-year-old. A bad run during pre-season does not mean that a player will be a failure at the club with the best example being Erling Halaand who missed two easy chances at the 2022 FA Community Shield against Liverpool.
