Arsenal produced arguably their stand-out result of the season with a blistering second half that blew defending champions Manchester City away.
Mikel Arteta’s side looked on the ropes after Erling Haaland cancelled out Martin Odegaard’s early opener just ten minutes into the second half.
Fans were in awe of Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performance against Man City and he was amongst the goalscorers as Thomas Partey and Ethan Nwaneri also got in on the act.
Perhaps the biggest cheer of the afternoon came after Kai Havertz put Arsenal 4-1 up given his glaring miss in the first half. The German striker received criticism for his miss from fans on social media but it was a different story completely from those inside the ground.
Arsenal fans backed Kai Havertz from kick off to the final whistle
Kai Havertz has at times been an unfair scapegoat for Arsenal this season, however, there were no excuses for his miss in the first half of the clash with Guardiola’s side – it would have put the game to bed.
Despite criticism from Jamie Carragher and many fans on social media for the miss, I was at the game and the Arsenal crowd got behind Havertz from start to finish, even more so after his miss.
Immediately after the German dragged his shot wide, there were choruses of his ‘Waka Waka’ chant, that has become so popular amongst the match-going crowd, ringing around the Emirates Stadium.
Leaders in the team such as Odegaard, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes were also seen giving Havertz encouragement and you could see the lift and confidence it gave him.
It was a brilliant moment in the second half when after putting his usual hard-working shift for the team, Havertz got his goal with a fine finish from a Gabriel Martinelli counter attack.
The goal got the biggest cheer of the game and one fan was heard shouting: “You deserve that Kai, been brilliant yet again.” He may miss some chances but his endeavour and what he brings to the team does not go unnoticed by the Gunners crowd.
Havertz is an instinctive finisher and struggles when he has time on the ball
The miss in the first half summed up where Havertz needs to improve as an out and out striker. He notched his ninth Premier League goal of the season in the second half with a fine instinctive finish.
However, when the German has time to think about his finish, that is where the lack of belief and conviction lets him down. He wasn’t bought as a striker and is still learning that facet of the position, unfortunately it is a vital element of being a striker!
With deadline day looming in the January transfer window, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can get a new attacking option through the door with Ollie Watkins and Mathys Tel among the possibilities.
If Arsenal do stick with Havertz at centre forward for the rest of the season, more chances will be missed but he will also give every ounce of effort he has for the team. Sometimes that is enough for the Arsenal fanbase.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
