Life as a questioned £65m signing can’t have been simple for Kai Havertz.
The Germany ahead has confronted intense scrutiny since his switch from Chelsea, with followers and pundits debating his greatest place, his kind and whether or not he even belongs in an Arsenal shirt.
With Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus match to return to the beginning XI, Havertz was dropped to the bench and compelled to look at because the Gunners laboured towards a resolute Brentford defence.
Nonetheless, when summoned within the remaining levels, he discovered a priceless aim to seal a win that moved them high of the Premier League desk.
“It sends an announcement out to Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool,” former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell mentioned on BBC Radio 5 Reside.
“When you’ve got challenges and it’s important to overcome them, it makes the moments rather more,” mentioned boss Mikel Arteta, who introduced up 200 video games in command of the Gunners.
“If issues got here simple, he would not have gotten the reception he received at this time with all people hugging him and telling him how a lot we love him.
“It’s as a result of he’s lovely and a pleasure to work with.”
‘The catalyst to his Arsenal profession’
Havertz has a knack of delivering when his staff wants him.
Famously, his aim within the 2021 Champions League remaining for Chelsea secured victory towards favourites Manchester Metropolis.
If Arteta has his manner, this aim could show a vital intervention because the Gunners search to edge out Pep Guardiola’s champions within the Premier League this season.
“These late winners are good and to rejoice in entrance of the followers was feeling,” Havertz mentioned on TNT Sports activities. “I’ve tried to place my ego apart and the staff is the vital factor. We performed nicely and deserved to win.”
Previous to Saturday, Havertz’s solely Gunners aim was a penalty in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth in September, though he did rating for his nation every week in the past – albeit whereas lining up at left-back.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes this may very well be the second that ignites Havertz’s time at Arsenal.
“This may very well be the catalyst to the subsequent stage of his profession,” he mentioned. “That’s the reason they purchased him – to attain large objectives in large moments. Arsenal followers have questioned him however he wanted that. The staff wanted that.”
‘Needed to take the chance’
After high two Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool drew in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, Arteta knew this was an opportunity to take benefit.
Nonetheless, he additionally knew it might not be simple towards opponents that had not misplaced in 14 London derbies.
“When you’ve got a chance to take a chew out of all people, it’s important to do it,” he mentioned. “It was very chilly and it’s troublesome coming to Brentford. I liked the best way we competed.”
Given Arsenal’s struggles going ahead, this end result was constructed on a resilient platform, significantly spectacular goal-saving clearances from Declan Rice and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
With solely 10 objectives conceded, the Gunners have the very best defensive report within the Premier League.
“They’ve a resilience about them,” mentioned Ferdinand. “There’s a togetherness and steeliness and so they benefit from the exhausting work. They’ve gamers who’re stepping up.”
Does Ramsdale have Arsenal future?
With on-loan goalkeeper David Raya ineligible towards his mum or dad membership, Arsenal have been compelled to play former primary Aaron Ramsdale and he regarded unsteady in a troublesome first half.
The Brentford followers revelled in teasing him and he almost buckled, presenting Bryan Mbeumo with a golden probability and, on a separate event, throwing the ball straight to a Bees attacker.
Nonetheless, he was commanding within the second half so as to add solidity to a backline boasting six clear sheets in 13 Premier League video games.
“Credit score to him, he did not put a foot mistaken within the second half,” mentioned former England striker Peter Crouch on TNT Sports activities.
“I’m positive Arteta is bored in regards to the Ramsdale topic however he has to maneuver if it stays like this.”
Requested immediately in regards to the England keeper’s efficiency, Arteta most popular to give attention to his aspect as an entire.
“I’m actually proud of the staff and the best way the staff performed and stored the clear sheet,” he mentioned.