Gary Lineker Calls for Tactical Shift in Arsenal Front Line as Gunners Prepare for Critical Champions League Clash Against Leverkusen

Gary Lineker urges Mikel Arteta to favor Kai Havertz as Arsenal prepares for a vital Champions League decider against Leverkusen following Max Dowman’s heroics.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:14 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The False Nine Debate Intensifies

As Arsenal maintains a high-stakes pursuit of four major trophies, the composition of Mikel Arteta’s attacking unit has become a focal point for internal and external debate. Despite the club’s record-breaking form this season, Gary Lineker has suggested that the North London side remains "a bit short up top" in terms of clinical consistency. Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker argued that Kai Havertz offers a superior tactical profile compared to the more traditional center-forward approach, provided the German international can maintain his physical fitness during the run-in.

Scrutiny Mounts Over Record Signing Gyokeres

The arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in the summer was met with massive expectations following his prolific scoring record in Portugal. However, the Swedish international has faced mounting criticism for his perceived lack of impact on general play, despite contributing vital goals such as his recent strike in the 2-0 victory over Everton. Lineker’s preference for Havertz stems from the belief that a "false nine" system provides Arsenal with more fluid attacking options, a sentiment that comes at a time when the club’s £250 million summer investment is under the microscope.

A Historic Moment for Arsenal’s Youth Academy

The weekend victory over Everton was defined not just by the established stars, but by the emergence of Max Dowman, who became the youngest scorer in Premier League history. Lineker compared the teenager’s impact to Wayne Rooney’s legendary breakout, noting that the youngster was "probably the best player on the pitch" after coming on. Dowman’s performance, which included a decisive cross that led to an error by Jordan Pickford and a breakaway goal, has added a fresh layer of complexity to Arteta’s selection process for the upcoming European fixtures.