Mikel Arteta reveals ‘special relationship’ with one Arsenal player, it could hold the key to success this season

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Arsenal head to St James’s Park knowing they will need to produce a near-perfect performance in order to overturn a two goal deficit.

Mikel Arteta’s side trail 2-0 in the Carabao Cup semi final and Arsenal must overcome a 14-year feat to beat Newcastle and reach the final.

Bukayo Saka and Ben White are still absent from the Arsenal squad but will be buoyed by their incredible 5-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Arteta was disappointed with the club’s lack of signings in the January window but is now focused on the Arsenal squad he has at his disposal as he looks to end the club’s wait for their first trophy since 2020.

READ MORE: ‘It’s a pure gamble’ – Ian Wright defends Arsenal’s January transfer window amid fan meltdown

Mikel Arteta reveals ‘special relationship’ with striker Kai Havertz

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s semi final second leg with Newcastle United, Arteta has been speaking about his relationship with Kai Havertz and how that has helped the striker on and off the pitch.

Arteta stated: “He’s such a special person, he opens up a lot with me, he’s opened up big time and shared some very special things and that relationship is just behind the player and manager.”

The relationship between the two has helped drive Havertz to deliver for the team and Arteta has heaped praise on the German forward.

Arteta explained: “Every time he’s not playing or I say to him I’m going to rest you, he’s not happy with that, he wants to be on that field and he is a player that still has a lot of ambition.”

Havertz looking to improve on an already illustrious career

Sometimes it can be easy to forget that at just 25 years old, Havertz is one of Arsenal’s most experienced players and has won significant honours in the game.

Havertz scored the winning goal in a Champions League final for previous club Chelsea and has also won the FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The German forward has received criticism this season for a number of high-profile missed chances but has also contributed 15 goals in all competitions already.

Havertz has proven in the past he can produce big moments and the Gunners will be hoping there is one or two more left in him for the remainder of the campaign.