A late wild card, Kai Havertz was the match-winner against FC Brentford on Saturday evening. The international ended his own dry spell – and helped coach Mikel Arteta to a successful anniversary
On matchday 13 of the Premier League, all eyes were on the summit clash. League leaders Manchester City welcomed their closest rivals Liverpool. Could the defending champions hold on or would LFC claw their way to the top of the table? These were the questions that dominated Saturday afternoon in English soccer. The answer, however, was quite different: Because the two teams had shared the points fraternally, Arsenal FC became the laughing third – and had Kai Havertz to thank for it above all.
Havertz, who had had a difficult time with the Gunners’ supporters following his move from Chelsea FC to Arsenal FC in the summer. After all, it took the million-pound German international almost three months to score his first goal, but his penalty in the 4-0 win over AFC Bournemouth was not the much-hoped-for can opener.
Two more months later, however, he may now have experienced it – the big moment he once had in the Champions League final for city rivals Chelsea. Just when everything seemed to indicate that Arsenal would not be able to take advantage of the Manchester template and would miss out on going top of the table, the attacker, who only came on as a substitute in the closing stages against Brentford, brought redemption
Havertz: “You play soccer for moments like this “
“It was a special moment for me to be able to celebrate in front of the fans with the coach and my teammates,” explained the 24-year-old after the 1:0 win over the Bees. “It’s special, you play soccer for moments like that, moments like that make me proud.” He said he was “grateful” for everyone who had stuck by him. “I’ve had a tough few weeks and months, but I’m happy and hope to be able to repeat that in the coming games.”
His coach was also full of praise afterwards. After all, Mikel Arteta had his wild card to thank for his team’s success in his 200th game as coach of Arsenal FC. Arteta was asked at the post-match press conference whether goals like these were the reason why Havertz was signed. “Yes, absolutely. Against teams that defend their penalty area in this way, you need exactly this type of player. He’s exceptional at it. He won the game for us today,” he enthused.
“When things are easy, they’re not appreciated. If things had been easier today, he wouldn’t have gotten the recognition he’s gotten now,” explained Arteta, referring to Havertz’s dry spell. “Everyone has hugged him and told him how much we love him – and there’s a reason for that. It’s because of the way he behaves in difficult moments. He’s a role model for all of us on what to do when you’re struggling. We couldn’t be happier that a ‘big player’ like him won the game for us. “