Mikel Arteta impressed with Kai Havertz’s performance after PSV win
|Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta applauded the performance of midfielder Kai Havertz following the club’s 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League group stage.
The Gunners were back in the elite European competition after a six-year absence, and they made the perfect start on Matchday 1 with a resounding performance.
They were four different goalscorers with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard finding the back of the net at the Emirates Stadium.
Havertz was unable to make a goal contribution on the night, but speaking after the game, Arteta said that he was ‘very connected’ after being asked to play in ‘two different roles’.
The Spanish tactician added that the 24-year-old is ‘so intelligent’ the way he does it and believes it is only a matter of time before he provides the end product.
He told Arsenal.com: “He was very connected today in the game. It’s true that I ask him to play in two different roles in regard to the opponent’s behaviours.”
“He’s so intelligent the way he does it. It’s just finishing one or two actions that we had again, but it’s coming and he’s so willing to do it.”
Havertz has yet to score or assist for the Gunners but he produced a positive performance last night. He completed 25 out of his 27 passes attempted versus PSV.
The German won nine ground and aerial duels and created one big chance for Gabriel Jesus, who was unable to capitalise and put his effort wide of the post.
The summer signing was also involved heavily in the build-up to the fourth goal. He showed good physical strength to keep possession in the lead-up to Odegaard’s strike.
In our view, Havertz definitely improved his co-ordination with his teammates last night. As Arteta said, it may not be long before he starts making goal contributions.
Stats from Sofascore.com