Kai Havertz is starting to showcase why Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was so keen to sign him last summer, with another talismanic performance up-front in the Gunners’ 5-0 hammering of Burnley.
The 24-year-old swapped west London for north in a £65 million deal from Chelsea last June. It was not the easiest of transitions for Havertz, having started his Arsenal career in midfield but failing to hit the ground running as a replacement for Granit Xhaka.
But the Germany international has since begun to be deployed in a more attacking role and after nine games, scored his first goal for the Gunners. There were bright moments where you could clearly see his quality, but perhaps not as consistently as his price tag warranted.
After the exciting title chase of last season, many were pointing at Havertz as part of the reason why things were not the same at Arsenal following a disappointing beginning to the campaign.
However, his manager has never wavered in his support for the 24-year-old and reiterated that before facing Burnley.
“I love him. I think we all love him as a player as a person, everything that he brings to the team,” Arteta said.
“There were two or three moments the other day at 4-0, 5-0, 6-0 with how he attracts people, how he’s constantly attacking the box and how he affects the play that I really like.
“If you ask him to play as a nine, as a left attacking midfielder, as a right attacking midfielder, on the base defending, he does it. He’s just a joy to work with.”
His manager backs him, his team-mates appreciate him and Arsenal fans are desperate to see him flourish. His first goal at Bournemouth and dramatic winner at Brentford sparked celebratory chants of Havertz’s name in the Arsenal end, which has helped his confidence grow and performances improve.
His best moments have often come when he’s been more advanced, whether up-front or just off the striker. In the win against Manchester City, his forward hold-up play and lay-off set up the winner could prove crucial come the end of the season. And during the win over Liverpool, his physical presence and skill forced Ibou Konate into errors that saw him sent off.
Then, in back-to-back away thrashings of West Ham and Burnley, his guile and combination play with Leandro Trossard and co have seen him look finally at home in the Arsenal team.
A constant threat and always involved in attacks, he deservedly ended his goal-drought at Turf Moor in a 5-0 win. Gabriel Jesus has had an injury-hit campaign and Eddie Nketiah has found consistency hard to come by, and Arteta’s use of Havertz leading the line has been an important part of their recent victories.
Many doubted if Havertz was going to work at Arsenal, and whether Arteta had taken a gamble that would prove costly. But three wins in a row and scoring 14 goals during that time with the German leading the line suggests he might be worth the significant investment after all.
