10-man Arsenal gave away the three points at the death and had to settle for a draw against Man City. Despite the team’s hard-fought performance, Havertz and Timber have failed to complete a single pass the entire match.
Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber gave an admirable performance to defend in their match against Man City. The Gunners found themselves having to defend their 2-1 lead with 10 men on the pitch, following Leandro Trossard’s red card. Nonetheless, their walls caved in the dying moments when City’s John Stones found the target at the 98th minute of the game.
Despite their best efforts, the two Arsenal players not only had to settle for a point against their rivals, but also managed to set an unwanted Premier League record in the process. Having spent majority of the second half in their own half because of their numerical disadvantage, Havertz and Timber failed to complete a single pass. Following the draw, they became the first outfield players – singe Opta started collecting data – to play more than 89 minutes without completing a single pass.
The two players attempted 11 passes in total, six for Timber and five for Havertz, however, none of their attempts were successful as they did not find an Arsenal player in the end. That said, the unwanted statistic and final scoreline does not take away from the duo’s admirable defensivive efforts, in the eyes of Arsenal boss Arteta.
“We showed unbelievable character and personality and then we had the game where we wanted it,” he stated. “The team showed again that it’s ready in any context, that it’s strong, with people cramping against 10 men. For 56 minutes to do what we’ve done is remarkable and it’s a shame that at the end we haven’t managed to win the game. The team has this character, this personality, and we showed it today in probably in the most difficult stadium in Europe.”