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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Martin Keown blames "lazy" Chelsea star for Gabriel's Arsenal winner

Kai Havertz has been criticised for his "lazy" efforts in preventing Arsenal's winner at Chelsea.

The Gunners picked up the three points at Stamford Bridge as they claimed the London bragging rights courtesy of Gabriel, who tapped home a corner in front of the away fans. The Blues defence allowed Bukayo Saka's delivery to slip through to the Brazilian, who couldn't miss.

Havertz's role in the goal has been highlighted with the German accused of not doing enough. Keown said on BT Sport : "Kai Havertz has got to do better there. He swings a lazy leg at that."

Former Fulham manager Parker also added: "You’re always massively disappointed when you concede from a set-piece. Arsenal are certainly good at scoring set-piece goals and that’s something we prepped for [before Fulham’s 2-1 defeat at the Emirates in August]."

Chelsea were unable to find an equaliser as Graham Potter saw his side have just one shot on target. Arsenal dominated large parts of the contest as the Blues failed to close on the top four as they remain five points off Tottenham. Potter, who has now seen his team lose successive Premier League games, confessed that they are struggling to create chances but praised the efforts of their opposition.

He said: "There are two teams on the pitch and I think Arsenal defend well, press well, and make it difficult for you to create chances. That’s what the top teams do and Arsenal are a top team at the moment.

"I don’t like to say that but it’s probably the reality. When that is the case, we need to do better in terms of how we create chances because otherwise you’re zooming in on individuals and it’s a team issue.”

Will Chelsea finish in the top four? Tell us what you think here.

Potter also added: "Clearly confidence is higher [for Arsenal]. They’ve got the points, got off to a really good start and have been working together for three years or so. They have an understanding of each other.

"We’re at the start of our process and have had a few problems with injuries to key players that they’ve managed to steer clear of. So lots of things, it’s not one simple solution unfortunately.”

Chelsea's season is not about to get any easier as they prepare to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. Following that they head north to take on a high-flying Newcastle side who are yet to lose at St James' Park and made light work of Southampton on Sunday.

Arsenal's win means, if they pick up three points at Wolves next weekend, they will head into the World Cup break top of the league as they continue to surpass expectations.

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