Arsenal boss Arteta aims brutal Havertz dig at Chelsea
Tom Weber
- Updated: 1 Dec 2023 16:25 GMT
- 3 min read
With two goals in his past two games, Kai Havertz seems to have at last arrived at Arsenal.
The German is finally enjoying a good - and productive - run of form since his big-money move across London from Chelsea. Despite scoring a Champions League-winning goal, Havertz's time at Stamford Bridge was ultimately disappointing.
The Blues were more than happy to accept the Gunners' €75 million offer given that it only represented a €5m loss on the original investment; it was a deal many Chelsea fans believed was too good to be true. Havertz's start to life at the Emirates wasn't as bad as some sensationalist pundits and media made it out to be, but it was nevertheless severely underwhelming.
Indeed, despite scoring in his last two games, against Brentford and RC Lens, Havertz's record this season still makes for pathetic reading given his talent and potential. The 24-year-old, once one of Germany's most highly-rated players and an attacking midfielder by trade, has only mustered three goals and one assist in 21 appearances this term.
Arteta's praise
Nevertheless, there has been a marked improvement in his performances in recent games and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes that this is due to Havertz finally feeling valued by his club, something he implies wasn't the case at Chelsea.
"He's been so influential," Arteta said, "his confidence has grown. When you're loved and admired and respected, your energy and body language is so much better. That is how he is feeling now."
Havertz will get a chance to impress again on Saturday against Wolves, a game that "will be a big challenge," according to Arteta. "They have a lot of quality over there and they perform against the big sides."
The Gunners currently top the Premier League table, but the Spaniard believes his players haven't even reached top gear yet. "I think there is more levels to come. We can still improve."
