Journalist James McNicholas was impressed by how Kai Havertz looked to have improved one aspect of his game as Arsenal beat Sheffield United.
Kai Havertz picked up a goal and an assist as Arsenal thrashed Sheffield United 6-0 on Monday evening.
The German was tasked with leading the line against the Blades, and did an excellent job of spearheading the attack. He linked up well with his teammates, used his physicality to good effect, and caused chaos in the hosts’ backline with his clever runs and movement off the ball.
The 24-year-old grabbed an assist in the second half, when he set up Ben White with a smart cutback. Havertz is now one of the five Arsenal players to have racked up at least ten goal contributions in the Premier League this season.
In the first half, the former Chelsea man was able to get on the scoresheet himself. Having been played through on goal by Gabriel Martinelli, he did not hesitate before rifling the ball into the bottom corner. It was a clinical finish, full of conviction, that oozed confidence.
This current, in-form, Havertz is a far cry from the player who arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the recent summer transfer window. When he first came to the club, he was clearly lacking in self-belief and was playing within himself. Mikel Arteta will be delighted by how Havertz has fought his way back to his best over the course of the season so far.
After his exemplary showing at Bramall Lane, plenty of the Arsenal staff and squad were quick to congratulate Havertz.
Kai Havertz hailed for showing conviction against Sheffield United
Reflecting upon the attacker’s well-taken goal against Chris Wilder’s side, James McNicholas discussed Havertz’s improvement in his latest On The Whistle YouTube video. The reporter said, “I loved that goal from Kai Havertz. He’s scored goals for Arsenal this season…but some of them have been a bit scrappy, a bit untidy, and if there was one, sort of, aspect of his game you’d say that he hadn’t quite delivered on, I think it is ball-striking. You know, execution of a finish.”
“I really liked the confidence with which he strode onto, buried it in the far corner…could be a big moment for him, I think he’s really shining in this centre-forward role.”
There is now a strong argument that Havertz should be considered Arsenal’s first choice striker ahead of Gabriel Jesus, who made his return from injury against Sheffield United. Havertz has outscored the Brazilian so far this season in the Premier League.
Deploying the 42-cap Germany international up front, rather than as part of the midfield trio, also allows for Declan Rice to take up a more advanced role, and for Jorginho or Thomas Partey to come into the starting XI.
Arteta will want to see Havertz maintain his current form for the rest of the season. If he can do that, then he may well have a huge say in the Premier League title race.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
