‘So so good’… Declan Rice blown away by one Arsenal teammate in 5-0 win v Burnley

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Declan Rice called out Kai Havertz on social media after Arsenal thumped Burnley on Saturday.

Kai Havertz produced an eye-catching individual performance as Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners at Turf Moor. 

Things have not always been easy for Havertz at Arsenal this season. Since the German arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Chelsea in the recent summer transfer window, he has needed time to rediscover his confidence, and to adapt to the tactical demands being made of him by Mikel Arteta. 

Havertz came in for plenty of criticism in his early days at Arsenal. However, in recent months there have been more and more signs of progress, and now, in his last two matches, the 24-year-old has really started to find his groove after a tactical teak from Arteta.

With Gabriel Jesus unfit to face West Ham United or Burnley, Leandro Trossard has come into the starting XI. The Belgian and Havertz have rapidly developed an extremely effective attacking partnership. 

Declan Rice impressed as Kai Havertz finds new level at Arsenal

The pair combine naturally, and interchange their positions frequently throughout the match, with one dropping back into the left-eight midfield role, whilst the other spearheads the attack. In what is reminiscent of an old fashioned big man/little man combination, Havertz offers a target man-like focal point, whilst Trossard offers more of a threat with his running in behind the defence. 

Trossard was able to get on the scoresheet against West Ham, whilst Havertz’s good work flew a little under the radar. Against Burnley, though, they were both able to hit the back of the net. The £65 million former Chelsea man rounded-off the scoring as he made a clever run to receive the ball from an Arsenal throw in, before nutmegging a defender in claret and blue, and then coolly clipping the ball beyond James Trafford.

After the match, in his Instagram story, Declan Rice posted a picture of himself celebrating with Havertz, including the caption, “5 [star] performance & this guy today.” Along with a clapping hands emoji. In response to Havertz’ own post, Rice replied, “so so good my guy.”