When Mikel Arteta surveyed the Arsenal fixture list, the home encounter against Kairat Almaty appeared perfectly crafted for one individual: Kai Havertz. The primary aim was the gradual, measured reintroduction of Havertz following a challenging five-month absence due to a knee injury, and the strategy proved exceptionally successful.
Havertz Makes a Stunning Return
In his first start since February of the previous year, the German midfielder effortlessly dominated the Kazakh opposition, contributing a goal and an assist while displaying a languid, commanding presence on the pitch. More significantly, the contrast in quality between Havertz, who operated in midfield on Wednesday evening, and striker Viktor Gyokeres was strikingly evident.
Gyokeres' Missed Opportunities
The Swedish forward could, and arguably should, have secured a hat-trick during the first half after spurning multiple clear-cut chances. His profligacy in front of goal raised questions, especially for a player acquired to resolve Arsenal's longstanding striker issues. Once Havertz attains full match fitness, a milestone he has not yet reached, the identity of Arteta's premier attacking option becomes glaringly apparent.
With Arsenal already guaranteed a spot in the Champions League last sixteen, this match carried an air of enjoyment compared to the tense, nail-biting fixtures unfolding elsewhere in the competition.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Gyokeres initially put the north London club ahead with a dynamic forward run, finishing neatly from Havertz's precisely timed through ball. With merely two minutes elapsed, the prospect of an overwhelming victory seemed imminent. However, a surprising twist followed shortly after, as Jorginho earned a penalty for Kairat Almaty. Riccardo Calafiori unnecessarily fouled the advancing forward, who then deceived goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to level the score.
For a team that had journeyed an arduous 3,504 miles, their supporters understandably celebrated the goal with the fervour of a last-minute winner. This reaction was justified, given that the Gunners had conceded only two goals in their preceding seven European matches, which included formidable opponents such as Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid.
Havertz Seals the Victory
The parity was short-lived, as Havertz found the net with a deft cut inside before curling the ball expertly past goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov. The German later delivered a cross to Gyokeres, who managed a slight touch but insufficient to score. Fortunately, Gabriel Martinelli was positioned perfectly to tap the ball home. Gyokeres had further opportunities to redeem himself, notably heading over from Myles Lewis-Skelly's cross and seeing a delicate chip cleared off the line.
In injury time, Ricardinho scored with a header to provide the travelling fans with another moment of jubilation. Nonetheless, Arsenal concluded the group stage with a flawless record of eight victories from eight matches, standing as the only undefeated team in this season's Champions League. Their future opponents in the last sixteen have been duly warned.
