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Emmanuel Adebayor ‘not a big fan’ of Kai Havertz and says Arsenal could drop more points in title race
Emmanuel Adebayor discussing his former club Arsenal
Emmanuel Adebayor discussing his former club Arsenal (Picture: Premier League)

Emmanuel Adebayor admits he is ‘not a big fan’ of Arsenal star Kai Havertz and warned the Gunners they could drop more points in the title race ahead of their final three games.

Arsenal kept the pressure firmly on defending champions Manchester City with a tense 3-2 win over Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side led 3-0 at half-time and then withstood a spirited Spurs rally to clinch three crucial points and earn bragging rights in north London.

The victory sent Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League but Man City closed the gap to one just a couple of hours later, beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground.

With a game in hand, the Premier League trophy is in Man City’s hands but Arsenal can put huge pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side if they win their final three games and finish on 89 points.

Given their superior goal difference, that would effectively force Manchester City to win all four of their remaining fixtures as they chase a record fourth successive title.

But Adebayor, who played over 100 games for Arsenal before enjoying spells with Man City and Tottenham, is unsure the Gunners will maintain their winning run during the run-in.

‘Anything is possible with Arsenal because we all know how good they can play,’ he said on Premier League Productions after the north London derby. ‘This team is very young and very talented.

‘But am I sure they’re going to get nine points? I’m not sure. Anything can happen. We saw a couple of weeks ago they lost at home to Aston Villa.

‘Whereas if you ask me can Man City win their next 20 games I would say yes because they have proved they can do it. Arsenal are looking better and stronger but I’m not sure they are going to win their last three games.’

Adebayor, who ruined his legacy at Arsenal by running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of their fans after scoring for Manchester City, also revealed he was ‘not a big fan’ of one of Havertz.

Havertz endured a slow start to his Arsenal career following a £65m move from Chelsea last summer, but the German has been a key member of Arteta’s squad since the turn of the year, scoring a brace against his former club in the 5-0 win last week and a goal against Spurs on Sunday.

Assessing Havertz before the north London derby, Adebayor said: ‘He has adapted well, but I am not a big fan of the player, to be honest. 

‘He isn’t that strong and when you are playing up front for a team like Arsenal. First and foremost, you have to be strong and you have to be clever. He’s a very good player with the feet. 

Kai Havertz celebrating scoring for Arsenal against Tottenham
Kai Havertz joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer (Picture: Getty)

‘Football is a game, whenever you score, you are the hero and when you don’t score, then you are the villain. 

‘If he doesn’t score and Arsenal ends up losing, then the fans won’t be happy about it. 

‘But if he manages to score a goal and get a win for his team, as he is doing at the end of the season for his team, then he will be the hero.’ 

The thrilling and tight Premier League title race continues next weekend as Arsenal host Bournemouth and Manchester City face Wolves. Liverpool, five points behind Arsenal in third, take on Spurs.

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