Arsenal’s Champions League group phase campaign ended perfectly with eight wins from eight as a returning Kai Havertz scored on his first start for a year.
Havertz has been introduced off the bench of late but was handed a start alongside Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal rounded out their European campaign for now.
Both Havertz and Gyokeres got on the scoresheet with both players complimenting each other well.
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The German attacker already looks every bit as good as he ever was and at a crucial time in the season, it almost feels like Arsenal have made a brand new signing.
Indeed, speaking to the press following the win, Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his delight at Havertz’s impact.
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Seeing Kai Havertz back in full flight is a blessing for Arsenal right now after a rough couple of weeks in the Premier League.
On tonight’s showing, it demonstrated just how much the Gunners have missed him and Mikel Arteta said just as much in his post-match interview.
“Unbelievable,” Arteta said. “For a player that has been out for so long to perform with that clarity, with that energy, with that efficiency, very impressive. We know Kai, how much he can give us in different positions, different roles, different contexts. He’s a player that makes us much, much better.
“The quality that he showed, the way he connected with the team, the goal that he scored. A really positive contribution,” Arteta admitted.
“He’s going to give us so much.”
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Some might have seen Havertz’s return as a negative for Viktor Gyokeres but the reality is that it looks like it could actually be what he needs.
Gyokeres looked far more comfortable with Havertz playing around and off him tonight and while it was opposition the Gunners expected to beat, there were positive signs.
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The duo assisted each other and Gyokeres’ goal was a prime example of the link play we could see coming.
Should Havertz remain fit and firing then we might finally see the best of Gyokeres at the time in the season when Arsenal need it most.
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