Arsenal beat Brentford on Saturday in a hard-fought match which saw Mikel Arteta’s side move up to the top of the Premier League table.
A late winner from Kai Havertz secured all three points for Arsenal, and given the German’s struggles since his arrival this summer, it was a special moment for him as he delivered a crucial contribution off the bench.
Havertz has been criticised for his performances since joining from Chelsea, but he was serenaded by the travelling Arsenal fans, and Arteta dragged him over to the away end at full time in what was a nice moment for him.
Arteta praised for Havertz gesture
Speaking after the game, pundit and former midfielder Owen Hargreaves praised Arteta for what he did with Havertz after the game, and claimed that the goal could help Havertz pick up some form.
“That’s class from Mikel Arteta, taking Havertz over to the fans. You need moments in your career, especially when you start somewhere,” he stated.
“This is a huge one for him. One of the things he’s best at is heading the ball. Put the ball in, let him go attack it. A good evening for Arsenal.”
Havertz’s arrival at Arsenal
The 24-year-old’s goal felt like his arriving moment at Arsenal, having struggled until this point.
He had only managed one goal so far, which came from the penalty spot against Bournemouth, and has been trialled in different positions for club and country to try and get the best out of him.
He clearly enjoyed his winning goal and the scenes that followed, and will hope to use his heading ability to score more going forward.
He scored just seven Premier League goals in 35 appearances last season, meaning he has netted just nine times in the last two seasons, and his lack of goals was affecting his confidence.
Despite playing as a striker at times, Havertz’s main goal threat has come from his ability in the air, and this was on full display as he latched onto Saka’s cross to power the ball beyond Mark Flekken.
Having come off the bench to score, Havertz will hope that his goal has earned him a recall into the first XI, with Arsenal set to face RC Lens in the Champions League later this week.
Should he start, Arteta may be tempted to use him upfront, and continue to take advantage of his strength in the air.
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