Arsenal summer signing Kai Havertz is continuing to improve after his tough start at the club, and scored his side’s second goal against Brighton on Saturday.
The Gunners were dominant, but struggled to convert their chances until Gabriel Jesus headed home at the start of the second half, but at 1-0, there was the danger that Brighton could find an equaliser.
That was until Havertz produced a moment of quality to double Arsenal’s lead. A slick passing move began with Leandro Trossard, who beat the Brighton press to bring the ball forward to Martin Odegaard, who found Eddie Nketiah, who played Havertz through on goal to finish.
Havertz has now praised Nketiah’s involvement in the goal, with his passes perfectly weighted to allow the German to find the bottom corner.
Kai Havertz praises Eddie Nketiah
Speaking to Arsenal club media, Havertz was asked about his goal against Brighton, and he highlighted the role Nketiah played in the build up to it.
“It feels amazing, an important win, a good goal, so it’s a good weekend,” he stated of his goal.
“I want to do more and more of course,” he stated of his recent strong goalscoring form.
“Eddie played an amazing pass, then I was one against one.
“These are the emotions you want to see [on the fans celebrating], so I’m very, very happy.”
Eddie Nketiah’s growing influence outside of the box
Nketiah started his career as a poacher-type striker whose best abilities came within the six-yard box.
However, in recent seasons, he has developed his overall game well, and is beginning to learn how to influence the game in build-up like Gabriel Jesus does superbly.
Nketiah now has four assists in 23 appearances in all competitions this season, compared to notching up five in his previous 131 appearances.
His pass to Havertz was a near-perfect contribution off the bench for the striker, who has come in for criticism recently. He may not get the credit he deserves for his assist by some fans, but it is clear that his teammates rate his contribution highly.
Nketiah has been linked with an exit in January, although indications now appear to be that Mikel Arteta wants to keep the Hale End graduate at the club.
The English forward is Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with five strikes, and he will hope he can pick up his goalscoring form to fight for a place in the starting XI.
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