Kai Havertz stuck out his tongue and celebrated the Harlequin goal. The national striker showed no mercy for his former club FC Chelsea in the top game of the English Premier League on Tuesday, even though he had shot the Blues to a Champions League triumph in 2021. With two goals, the former Leverkusen player played a key role in Arsenal’s 5-0 win. It was the Gunners’ biggest ever 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. And 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.”
TV expert: Fans should apologize to Havertz
Former Chelsea professional Joe Cole had already criticized the “Daily Express” before the game 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.”
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 camp of Arsenal fans, the transfer was seen critically, as the German international had a difficult time at Chelsea last season. Meanwhile, Havertz’s own supporters 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 down the drain – Kai Havertz scores again.” TV pundit Rio Ferdinand said many Arsenal fans should apologize to the German 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. This Wednesday, Liverpool can follow suit in the city duel with Everton FC, and a day later defending champions Manchester City will be in action against Brighton & Hove Albion. City are even another game behind and therefore have a small advantage.
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“We know what victory means for the fans. We are enjoying it, but there are still a few games to come,” said Arteta, referring to the title race. After all, his team had only been intercepted by Manchester City last season. Arsenal have another city duel at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday with four games to go. In the Champions League, the Gunners failed in the quarter-finals against FC Bayern.
