Three goals and one assist in 102 minutes – that’s Kai Havertz’s Champions League record this season. For Arsenal FC, he is a kind of “super joker”.
And they were important goals that the national player scored in his four appearances in the premier class so far “Gunners” made. First he saved a late point for his team with a converted penalty kick in the 1-1 draw in the first leg of the round of 16 in Leverkusen, then he scored the 1-0 winning goal at Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of the quarter-finals and was named Match winner. He scored both goals after coming on as a substitute. Havertz had already scored on the last matchday of the group phase against Kairat Almaty.
The goal in Lisbon was particularly important. The Londoners now go into the second leg on Wednesday (9 p.m.) with a 1-0 lead. A win and advance to the semi-finals could give the team a boost.
Top game against Manchester City is coming up
Because four days later it says Premier League the top game against pursuers Manchester City to. Last had arsenal in the league surprisingly 1:2 against AFC Bournemouth lost. In the event of another bankruptcy, the lead would shrink to three points and Man City played one less game.
So the championship is in danger. Arsenal had already lost two possible titles: in the League Cup final against Manchester City (0-2) and in the cup quarter-finals at FC Southampton (1:2).
Havertz is coming into form
This makes Havertz all the more important, as he has not played a game longer than 90 minutes this season after a long knee injury. Now getting back into shape. He recently celebrated his comeback to the national team after a 16-month absence. In the summer at the World Cup, he is firmly planned by national coach Julian Nagelsmann as the number one striker.
“When you reach this stage of the season, everyone has to do their part. Kai loves decisive moments like this”said coach Mikel Arteta after the hard-fought win at Sporting. Havertz scored with a precise left-footed shot from seven meters in added time (90+1) and was relieved afterwards. “Football is made for moments like this”he said, “A late goal is always great.” Arteta even spoke of one “Magical moment. We’re happy that he was there when we needed him to win the game for us.”
Arteta: “Huge reinforcement”
The Spaniard sees Havertz as a kind of newcomer. “The team knows how important Kai is to us and how he can help us to become significantly better and reach a new level”said the team manager. He really appreciates the variable offensive player and sees him as a “Huge reinforcement for the team.”
Havertz remains confident for the rest of the season despite the recent defeat in the league. “There are still a few weeks left to play and we can win big titles – that’s what we’re aiming for”he said. A title, no matter which one, would be the first since the FA Cup victory in 2020. The championship is waiting for the “Gunners” since 2004, the Champions League they have never won.
