Clear victory in the FA Cup
©IMAGO
Just in time for the start of the World Cup year, Kai Havertz has reported back to Arsenal after a long break. The international came on as a substitute in Arsenal’s 4-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup at Portsmouth FC. Coach Mikel Arteta sent the attacker onto the pitch in the 69th minute. For the 26-year-old, it was his first minutes of action for the Premier League leaders since the first matchday in the league. Havertz underwent surgery on his right knee at the end of August.
Havertz was recently part of the squad again, and now he was allowed back on the field for the first time with the score at 3-1. Coach Arteta was relieved about the former Leverkusen player’s return after a long absence: “It’s just fun to watch him. We have to keep him fit, he’s an important player for us.”
Arteta had changed his starting lineup to ten positions compared to the last league game against Aston Villa. After an early deficit against the second-class outsiders, Gabriel Martinelli ensured that Colby Bishop (3rd) scored three goals to ultimately secure progress (25th/51st/72nd). Portsmouth’s Andre Dozzell scored an own goal in the 8th minute. Noni Madueke also missed a penalty in the 43rd minute.
In the most important national English cup competition, Leeds United also advanced to Derby County on Sunday afternoon (3-1). Norwich City clearly defeated fourth division team FC Walsall (5:1) and Sheffield United embarrassed themselves against third division team Mansfield Town (3:4). More games are still running (to the live ticker).