Premier League
Arsenal’s Havertz after gala against former club without pity
For Kai Havertz (l) it was goals number ten and eleven of the season. photo
© Kin Cheung/AP/dpa
Two goals against Chelsea FC, which he once scored to their Champions League triumph. National player Havertz continues to be in top form in the Arsenal uniform. There is praise from all sides for this.
With two goals, the ex-Leverkusen player played a key role in Arsenal’s 5-0 win. It was the Gunners’ biggest win against their city rivals.
“Impressive. He deserves it. He was outstanding from the start. You only realize how good he is when you play with him,” enthused Arsenal team-mate Ben White, who also scored two goals. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said: “If you add the two goals he scored and some of the combinations he made in important moments, it was a great performance.”
British media also praised the former Leverkusen player. “The elegant Havertz suddenly becomes a lucky charm for Arsenal,” said BBC Sport. “Kai Havertz played a wonderful game,” wrote the Guardian, “he is one of the big positive aspects of this Arsenal season.”
Before the game, former Chelsea professional Joe Cole had already criticized in the “Daily Express” that his former club had handed over Havertz to their London rivals. “I thought he was a brilliant player at Chelsea,” Cole said of the 24-year-old. “He has a wonderful goal instinct, a good feel for the passing game and calmness.”
Strong season in the Arsenal jersey
For Havertz it was goals number ten and eleven of the season. Hardly anyone expected that when he moved in the summer for an estimated 75 million euros. Even in the Arsenal fan camp, the transfer was viewed critically, as the German international had had a difficult time at Chelsea last season.
Meanwhile, Havertz’s own followers have long since taken to their hearts. “60 million pounds down the drain – Kai Havertz scores again,” was heard at the Emirates Stadium, so: “60 million pounds is going down the drain – Kai Havertz scores again.” TV pundit Rio Ferdinand said many Arsenal fans should apologize to the Germany international.
With the win, Arsenal put the competition under pressure in the title race. The Gunners increased their lead over rivals Liverpool FC and Manchester City to three and four points respectively. On Wednesday, Liverpool can follow suit in the city duel against Everton FC, and a day later defending champions Man City will be in action against Brighton & Hove Albion. City are even another game behind and still have a small advantage.
“We know what the win means for the fans. We’re enjoying it, but there are still a few games to come,” said Arteta. After all, his team had only been intercepted by Man City last season.