“He Understands the Space” – Mikel Arteta Singles Out Arsenal Star Who is Undroppable After Champions League Win vs PSG
Mikel Arteta hailed Kai Havertz as “unbelievable” following the German forward’s contribution in Arsenal’s Champions League victory over PSG. Havertz opened the scoring after 20 minutes, heading in Leandro Trossard’s cross to beat Donnarumma.
Fifteen minutes later, the PSG goalkeeper was once again outwitted, as Bukayo Saka’s free kick curled into the far corner, securing a 2-0 win for the Gunners at the Emirates.
After the match, Arteta praised his £65 million signing, who was named UEFA’s Player of the Match.
“He’s been unbelievable,” the manager told Amazon Prime. “His football brain, the way he understands space, his timing, he brings people together.
“His work ethic is incredible as well and now he is a real threat around the penalty box. He is one of our main players at the moment.”
Kai Havertz’s growing importance to his team is evident in his performance. Last season, it took him 26 games, until December 17, to net five goals for Arsenal. However, this season, he has achieved that same number in just nine matches.
The ex-Chelsea player has found the back of the net in six consecutive games at the Emirates, a streak that dates back to last season. In a post-match interview, the 25-year-old shared his thoughts. “It feels great to play here, I love the stadium, I love the fans.”
On his goal, he added: “I didn’t really think too much. I just saw the ball, went for it, and I was lucky that I was in front of the goalkeeper. I think we are there (as Champions League contenders), if we win against teams like this it gives us a big boost.”
Although Havertz’s header came from open play, the home team consistently posed a danger from set-pieces. Arteta attributed their strength in that area this season to the hard work put in during training.
“It’s another weapon that we have,” he added. “We have great takers, we have a very physical team that we can put out there at the moment. Credit first of all to the coaches, the work we do together and then the players for buying into it. They understand these are the game changers.”
The Spaniard also declared himself “really, really happy with the performance,” with Arsenal now on four points in the Champions League league phase after their opening draw with Atalanta. “We played an opponent that has a lot of personality, is really difficult to deal with when you don’t have the ball.”
In other Arsenal news, “Made Them Better” – Kevin Nolan says “Complete” Player Has Actually Taken Arsenal to Another Level
