"Very happy": Mikel Arteta blown away by Arsenal star who created 3 big chances vs Kairat
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Kai Havertz following the club’s 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League yesterday.
The Gunners preserved their 100 per cent record in the league phase of the competition with a victory over Kairat. Havertz was the standout performer.
The German playmaker provided a fine assist for Viktor Gyokeres before scoring a goal of his own with a stellar strike. It was his first start for the club in 357 days.
He was unsurprisingly named man of the match. Speaking after the game, Arteta talked up his qualities and said that he is ‘very happy’ to have him back in the squad.
He told TNT Sports (via BBC Sport): “We realised straight away how much we missed him.
“What he brings to the team, his creativity, what he links with people, his intuition in front of goal as well so very, very happy to have him.”
He further said in his presser: “Unbelievable. For a player that has been out for so long to perform with that clarity, with that energy, with that efficiency, very impressive.”
Havertz had a superb 45-minute appearance against Kairat. He created three big chances against the Kazakhstan champions and was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch.
With Havertz having just returned from a lengthy knee injury, Arteta handled him with extra caution. His early substitution at the interval was pre-planned rather than a possible setback.
Arsenal were far from their best in the second half after being 3-1 ahead at the interval. Still, they should be pleased, having become the first side to win all eight league phase matches in the new Champions League format.
The Gunners’ immediate focus will turn to the Premier League. They are scheduled to face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday and must return to winning ways after last weekend’s disappointing result.
The loss to Manchester United has left them just four points ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa at the top. They can temporarily go seven points clear with a win as Man City and Villa only play on Sunday.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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