Arteta Backs Havertz to Elevate Arsenal After Stunning Comeback Performance
Mikel Arteta has declared that Kai Havertz can take Arsenal to "another level" following the German international's triumphant return from a lengthy injury absence. Havertz marked his first start in 357 days with a goal and two assists as Arsenal secured a 3-2 victory over Kairat at the Emirates Stadium, completing a perfect eight-win run in their Champions League group stage.
A Long-Awaited Return to Form
The 26-year-old midfielder, who had been sidelined with hamstring and knee surgeries, made an immediate impact on his comeback. Within two minutes, Havertz provided the assist for Viktor Gyokeres to open the scoring. After Jorginho equalised for the Kazakh side from the penalty spot, Havertz then restored Arsenal's lead with his first goal in almost a year, demonstrating the clinical edge the Gunners have missed.
His creative influence continued as he set up Gabriel Martinelli for Arsenal's third goal with nine minutes remaining in the first half. Despite a late consolation header from Ricardinho, the result was never in doubt, cementing Arsenal's position as group winners with a flawless record.
Arteta's Confidence in His Star Player
Arteta, who substituted Havertz at half-time as part of a planned reintroduction, was effusive in his praise for the player's performance. "It is going to give him a lot of confidence, and joy and energy and to the team, too," the manager stated. "The team knows how important Kai is for us and how he can help the team to be much better and take the team to another level."
He emphasised the quality of Havertz's display, noting: "The fact that he was able to do that today after such a long time was very impressive. The quality he showed, and the way he connected with the team, and the goal that he scored and the assists he made in the first half, it was a really positive performance."
Arteta confirmed the substitution was pre-planned, saying: "He is fine. That is what we planned, for him to play the first 45 minutes. And for sure, he wanted to continue today." The manager now aims to integrate Havertz carefully for the crucial second half of the season, asserting: "Let’s bring him on board and make sure we use him in the right way because he is going to be really important for us in the second part of the season."
Champions League Dominance and Domestic Focus
Arsenal's victory ensures they progress to the last 16 as group winners, where they will face one of Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, or Borussia Dortmund in March. Reflecting on the achievement, Arteta expressed pride in his squad: "I am very proud of the players and the run that we have had in the first stage of the competition. It is very difficult to win eight games in a row in the Champions League and you can see what has happened with other teams."
He added: "We really need to acknowledge that, but that is it, and now the competition stops. We will have a period of reflection, and then prepare for our next opponents, and go game-by game."
Attention now turns to domestic matters, with Arsenal travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. Despite a recent defeat to Manchester United, the Gunners maintain a four-point lead at the top of the table, positioning them strongly for a title challenge as Havertz returns to bolster their squad.
