KATHMANDU: Kai Havertz faced skepticism from Arsenal supporters following his transfer from Chelsea, but his stellar performance against his former club has largely silenced the doubters. The 24-year-old German's clinical brace in Arsenal's 5-0 victory underscored his significance in the team and reinforced their title aspirations.
Initially, Havertz struggled to find his footing at Arsenal, requiring ten appearances to notch his first goal. During his early months, he appeared to be grappling with adapting to his new surroundings. However, his recent resurgence has been remarkable, with Havertz's tally of 12 goals in all competitions reflecting his growing impact on the team's attacking prowess.
Teammate Ben White praised Havertz's exceptional qualities, highlighting his invaluable contributions on the pitch. Manager Mikel Arteta's unwavering support for Havertz has proven fruitful, with the striker now flourishing and realizing his full potential at Arsenal.
Arteta commended Havertz's outstanding performance against Chelsea, emphasizing his significant role in all aspects of the game. The victory not only propelled Arsenal three points clear in the title race but also sent a powerful message to their rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City.
While City still have control over their title destiny, Arsenal's resounding victory added pressure on their competitors. With Liverpool and City playing their respective fixtures, Arteta will closely monitor the outcomes, hoping for any slip-ups as Arsenal gears up for a crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite Chelsea's recent revival, their defeat to Arsenal indicates a setback in their aspirations. Manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed disappointment over his team's lackluster performance, raising concerns about their ability to secure European qualification amidst a mediocre season.
In a setback for Manchester City, striker Erling Haaland's absence due to injury will impact their crucial clash against Brighton. While Haaland's injury is not deemed serious, his absence could hinder City's pursuit of closing the gap on Arsenal in the title race. However, Guardiola remains optimistic about Haaland's potential return for the upcoming fixture against Nottingham Forest.
