In the fight for the Premier League championship, Arsenal FC showed no weaknesses against Newcastle United. Kai Havertz first shone as a preparer for the 1-0 (1-0) win, then it became tragic for him.
Eberechi Eze gave the Gunners the lead in the ninth minute. For the third time within a few minutes, Arsenal had taken a corner short, this time the variation worked, Havertz passed it back to the England international, who chased the ball into the corner from 18 meters. For Havertz it was only his third point scorer of the league season – because he was only used for the ninth time.
A knee injury in August put the 26-year-old out of action until 2026. In February, Havertz also suffered a muscle injury that forced him to take a break for around two weeks – and now the German international has been hit again. After 33 minutes, Havertz had to be substituted against Newcastle after he sat down on the grass in the center circle and grabbed his thigh. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said in the post-match press conference that there was no major injury. But we have to wait for the investigations.
After Gnabry, will Havertz also get caught?
National coach Julian Nagelsmann will also have noticed this scene with a grumbling stomach. Just a few days ago he had to cope with Serge Gnabry’s exit from the World Cup, now he may also have to worry about Havertz, who is in the center of attack under Nagelsmann. Most recently in Switzerland (4:3) and against Ghana (2:1), the Arsenal professional was in the starting line-up twice after not being able to play an international match for almost a year and a half due to injury.
Before Havertz was substituted, coach Mikel Arteta’s team was already struggling; apart from Eze’s goal, there were hardly any chances. Instead, Newcastle missed the lead in the fourth minute when Bruno Guimaraes shot just over from 18 meters, and later David Raya prevented the equalizer after a long-range shot from Sandro Tonali (30th).
Woltemade gives Newcastle the chance to score
After the break even less happened than before, the game became completely stale – Newcastle couldn’t, Arsenal didn’t want to. And despite the guests’ weak offensive, Nick Woltemade, who could replace Havertz in the event of a long-term absence from the DFB team, had to languish on the bench until the 76th minute. But he had his big moment and created the only big chance to equalize with a fantastic lob in the 80th minute, but Yoane Wissa missed it.
The “Gunners” were able to restore their lead at the top of the table to three points, while title rivals Manchester City made it to the final in the FA Cup against Southampton FC (2-1). The “Citizens” drew level with a 1-0 win at Burnley FC on Wednesday and have now played one game less. Arsenal’s long-distance duel against Fulham FC continues next Saturday (6.30 p.m.), Man City plays at Everton FC two days later.
