Martin Keown is delighted to see Kai Havertz back for Arsenal after the German international made his return from injury against Portsmouth.
Arsenal stormed through to the FA Cup fourth round by comfortably beating Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park on Sunday afternoon.
Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Portsmouth?
Three goals from Gabriel Martinelli and an own goal ensured that Mikel Arteta’s team booked their spot in Monday’s fourth round draw.
But the best news from the win was the return of Havertz, who came on to make just his second appearance of the 2025/26 campaign.
Martin Keown praises Kai Havertz’s Arsenal return
Martin Keown has praised Kai Havertz’s Arsenal return against Portsmouth, with the Arsenal legend impressed with how lively he looked.
Several Gunners stepped up in the FA Cup, including Martinelli, who scored a hat-trick, and Mikel Merino, who was arguably Arsenal’s best player.
But it was the German attacker’s return which has most excited Keown, and he has hailed the striker’s intelligence.
Speaking on ITV Football, Keown said: “One or two players came in tonight to stake a claim for the Arsenal team, I think Havertz did that. It is really good news that he is back in form.
Has Kai Havertz just ended Viktor Gyokeres’ run as Arsenal’s first-choice striker?
“It just looks like he purrs all over the pitch. He’s always a favourite, he’s very intelligent and maybe not 100 per cent fit, but nonetheless that was a good evening’s work.”
Havertz faces strong competition for the number nine role, as he is up against Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus.
Despite Arteta blaming Arsenal’s players for Gyokeres’ poor performance against Liverpool, Havertz will surely overtake him in the pecking order when he is fully fit again.
Mikel Arteta was also impressed by Kai Havertz’s Arsenal return
Arteta was also impressed by Havertz’s Arsenal return away at Fratton Park, hailing the striker’s efforts to get back fully fit.
After the match, Arteta told the media: “Yeah, we had some great, positive things today. Obviously, winning the match and being in the next round.
“Kai, after so many months and all the effort that he’s put in to be back fit and looking like he’s done.”
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
