Kai Havertz inspired Arsenal to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Southampton on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners started the game brightly, putting constant pressure on the opposition defence and bombarding crosses into their box. They weren’t able to do any significant damage, even if the host took several corners in the first half.
The Saints managed to take the lead in the 55th minute via Cameron Archer. But just three minutes later, Bukayo Saka won possession and played it to Havertz. The German finished off in style, the ball hitting the post and flying in the net.
Saka was again involved in the 68th minute, with his pass finding Gabriel Martinelli at the back post. The Brazilian ace made no mistake in giving them the lead.
The academy graduate got the reward for his unselfish work with a goal in the 88th minute to seal the victory. Arsenal star Havertz had a big role in changing the course of the game. He took matters into his own hands at a time when Aaron Ramsdale was keeping things tight at the back.
Kai Havertz tagging the location on his Instagram post as “home” following Arsenal’s victory over Southampton this afternoon.
I love him man. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/PmmuV9owQz
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) October 5, 2024
The 25-year-old made sure the fans knew how much he loved the club, as he called the Emirates his comfort place. He tagged the location on his Instagram post as ‘home’ after the North London outfit defeated Southampton.
In the post-match interview, manager Mikel Arteta also praised the striker for his commendable performance, as he said:
“He wants more and he is not satisfied with what he is doing. There is still another level from him. Something has changed in him and that confidence – you really sense it. Now he is winning football matches.”
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Arteta had previously revealed the reason behind the German star’s sudden transformation with the Gunners. The manager admitted that the player needs to feel a lot of love and protection to enjoy playing football to the fullest.
🇩🇪👑v Saintspic.twitter.com/kiMUv5b9tI
— 🇳🇴 kimmoFC (@kimmoFC) October 5, 2024
Havertz is showing incredible chemistry with other attackers in the squad. The former Chelsea star is showing the world why Arsenal were craving his signature last summer.
HAVERTZ BOASTS INCREDIBLE STATS AFTER SAINTS CLASH
1. He became the fifth German player to make 50 Premier League goal contributions.
2. Havertz scored in five consecutive home games for Arsenal in the PL with the last one to do so being Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2019.
3. The versatile attacker has now scored in each of his last seven games at the Emirates in all competitions this season, the first to do so since Robin van Persie.
4. Havertz has been directly involved in 20 goals in his past 20 games as a striker for Arsenal.
5. He is just one goal contribution away from matching his numbers at Chelsea in the Premier League.