Kai Havertz puts in solid display in Aston Villa defeat

Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz delivered a solid performance during the 1-0 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

The Gunners went into the game on a six-match winning streak and they needed another victory to go top of the league table ahead of Liverpool.

However, they were unable to secure the desired result. John McGinn’s seventh minute goal proved the difference between the sides at Villa Park.

Despite this, there were some positives to carry forward from the outing and one of those was Havertz, who was the Gunners’ best performer.

The Germany international has found his feet at Arsenal since the international break with three goals.

Against Villa, he had a goal chalked off in stoppage time for a handball, but he should have had at least a couple of assists during the game.

Havertz delivered two key passes into the path of Martin Odegaard, but the club captain disappointed with his finishing on both occasions.

Aside from his build-up play, Havertz won nine duels and three tackles. He committed four fouls but also induced three from the opposition.

The former Chelsea man had a difficult start to his Gunners career but he has looked much more assured in possession over recent weeks.

Havertz has been making clever attacking runs and things could have been different yesterday, had Odegaard capitalised on the chances.

The defeat has dropped the Gunners to second in the table, one point behind Liverpool.

They host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League next weekend. Prior to that, they face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League away.

Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to make wholesale changes with the Gunners already through to the round of 16 with top spot in their group.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com