Arteta Backs Havertz to Elevate Arsenal After Stunning Champions League Return
Mikel Arteta has declared that Kai Havertz can take Arsenal to "another level" after the German international marked his long-awaited return to the starting lineup with a goal and two assists in a thrilling 3-2 Champions League victory over Kairat at the Emirates Stadium.
A Memorable Comeback After 357 Days
Havertz, making his first start in 357 days following hamstring and knee surgeries, immediately showcased his quality by assisting Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal's opening goal in just the second minute. After Jorginho's penalty briefly drew Kairat level, Havertz notched his first goal in almost a year to restore Arsenal's lead, demonstrating sharp instincts in the box.
The German playmaker wasn't finished there, delivering a precise cross for Gabriel Martinelli to add a third goal with nine minutes remaining in the first half. Ricardinho's stoppage-time header proved merely a consolation for the Kazakh visitors as Arsenal completed a perfect group stage campaign with eight wins from eight matches.
Arteta's Confidence in Havertz's Importance
With Havertz withdrawn at half-time as part of a carefully managed fitness plan, Arteta expressed immense satisfaction with his performance. "It is going to give him a lot of confidence, and joy and energy and to the team, too," the Arsenal manager stated. "The team knows how important Kai is for us and how he can help the team to be much better and take the team to another level."
Arteta continued, praising the technical quality and connection Havertz displayed: "The fact that he was able to do that today after such a long time was very impressive. The quality he showed, and the way he connected with the team, and the goal that he scored and the assists he made in the first half, it was a really positive performance."
The manager emphasized the strategic importance of integrating Havertz carefully: "Let's bring him on board and make sure we use him in the right way because he is going to be really important for us in the second part of the season." Regarding the planned substitution, Arteta confirmed the 26-year-old was "fine" but acknowledged "for sure, he wanted to continue today."
Arsenal's Champions League Dominance and Future Prospects
The victory secured Arsenal's position as group winners, setting up a last-16 tie in March against one of Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, or Borussia Dortmund. Reflecting on the achievement, Arteta expressed pride in his squad's consistency: "I am very proud of the players and the run that we have had in the first stage of the competition. It is very difficult to win eight games in a row in the Champions League and you can see what has happened with other teams."
He added a note of caution and focus: "We really need to acknowledge that, but that is it, and now the competition stops. We will have a period of reflection, and then prepare for our next opponents, and go game-by game."
Attention now turns to domestic matters, with Arsenal traveling to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday. Despite a recent defeat to Manchester United, the Gunners maintain a four-point lead at the top of the table, positioning them strongly for the title race as they integrate a fully-fit Havertz into their campaign.
