Mikel Arteta reveals the surprise Arsenal player who’ll ‘go to war’ for him

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In light of his recent upturn in form, Mikel Arteta has revealed that one surprising Arsenal player is one who will ‘go to war’ for him.

Arsenal certainly went to war last time out as a battle of the ages ensued at Kenilworth Road with Declan Rice heading home a last-gasp winner to seal a 4-3 victory.

Although the Gunners weren’t at their best on Tuesday night, managing to grab a winner late on is the hallmark of champions and Arteta’s side have stamped their authority at the top of the table.

With two points separating them from second-place Liverpool, the North London giants are entering a pivotal period in their campaign and have some difficult fixtures on the horizon.

Arsenal face Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool in their next three.

Of course, those are difficult matches, but if Arteta has his best players fit and firing, including Kai Havertz, who is getting better every week, they have every chance of extending their lead at the top.

What did Mikel Arteta say about Arsenal star Kai Havertz?

Havertz endured a difficult start to life in North London, failing to score from open play in his first 19 matches, but the 24-year-old is beginning to relish his responsibility in the team alongside Rice and Martin Odegaard.

After setting back the club a whopping £65m in the summer, the versatile German was acquired to produce vital contributions in the final third.

It is fair to say that Havertz is beginning to live up to that expectation by being in the right place at the right time.

In the match against Brentford, it looked as though Arsenal were slipping to a goalless draw but the former Chelsea star popped up with an 89th minute goal to seal all three points.

At Luton on Tuesday, the Gunners went 3-2 behind in the 57th minute as Ross Barkley powered the ball underneath a despairing David Raya.

However, it was Havertz who grabbed the equaliser just moments later to help inspire a comeback.

Whilst those vital contributions have earned the Gunners priceless points in recent weeks, it’s his all-round play, including his ferocious pressing and willingness to win the ball back that have impressed Arteta.

The Spaniard said: “If you ask him to go to war, he will be the first one down there. I know we’re going to get the best out of him”

If Arsenal are to glean the Premier League title, Arteta needs his players to go to war and perhaps surprisingly, Havertz would be one of the first on the frontline.