Mikel Arteta described Kai Havertz as “unbelievable” after the German forward was again on the scoresheet in Arsenal’s Champions League win over PSG. Havertz put his side ahead after 20 minutes when he beat Donnarumma to Leandro Trossard’s cross to head home.
Just 15 minutes later, the away keeper was again deceived as Bukayo Saka’s free kick found the far corner, with the Gunners comfortable thereafter as they won 2-0 at the Emirates.
Afterwards, Arteta heaped praise on his £65million signing, who was awarded the Player of the Match award by UEFA.
“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.”
Indeed, evidence of just how crucial Havertz has become to his side can be gauged by the fact that last season, it took him 26 matches (until December 17) to score five goals for Arsenal. This season, he has now reached that tally in only nine matches.
The former Chelsea man has scored in six matches in a row at the Emirates, a record that stretches back to last season. And in his own post-match interview, the 25-year-old said: “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.”
While the Havertz header came from open play, the hosts were a comstant threat from set-pieces. Arteta credited the work done on the training ground for his side being formidable in that department so far this season.
“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.”
