Kai Havertz started for Arsenal against Leeds United at Elland Road.
The German has had a torrid time with injuries. He hadn’t started a game in the Premier League for nearly a year, but that frustrating run came to an end on Saturday.
Havertz got the nod ahead of Martin Odegaard in attacking midfield, and we thought the former Chelsea man had a decent game.
Paul Merson has now had his say.
Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Leeds United?
Paul Merson delivers his verdict on Kai Havertz’s performance for Arsenal vs Leeds United
Everyone knows that Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Kai Havertz.
The Arsenal manager has repeatedly said that his side have missed the German, and he is beyond delighted to have him back now.
After starting and impressing against Kairat in the Champions League, Havertz got the nod again at Leeds.
The 26-year-old didn’t score and assist like he did midweek, but he was influential in Arsenal’s attack. His movement caused Daniel Farke’s side all sorts of problems.
In the 61st minute of the game, just as he was about to be substituted, Merson praised Havertz on Sky Sports.
He said: “Alright, he will probably come off now with Martinelli and Odegaard coming on, but he’s been steady. He has been steady.
“It’s a hard place to come after a long time out. He’s been steady, some nice touches.”
READ MORE: Forget Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta says another Arsenal star needs to see a specialist after injury
Sum up Kai Havertz’s performance at Leeds in THREE words…
Kai Havertz has made one thing clear to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
It’s never easy for a player to spend most of a year out injured and then come back and hit the ground running.
Arsenal have been careful with him in recent weeks, and that is paying off now.
Havertz was excellent against Kairat midweek, and he has now followed it up with a tidy performance away against Leeds in the Premier League.
That should send a clear message to Arteta that the German should be the first choice in that right-sided attacking midfield role ahead of Odegaard.
Havertz may not provide silky passes like the Norwegian, but he offers a lot more in attack and is much more difficult to contain for opponents.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
