The winning goal to lead the Premier League table earned a lot of praise for national player Kai Havertz, who has recently been criticized.
“Against teams that defend their penalty area in this way, you need exactly this player profile. He is exceptional at it. Today he won the game for us,” praised coach Mikel Arteta after his 200th game as Arsenal FC coach.
Havertz scored with a header in the 1-0 win against FC Brentford ten minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 89th minute. Because Manchester City played 1-1 against Liverpool FC, Arsenal moved to first place.
Havertz, who was used as a left-back in national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s national team in the 2-3 win against Turkey, was pleased with the great significance of his second goal since moving from Chelsea to his city rivals. “It was a special moment for me to be able to celebrate in front of the fans with the coach and my teammates,” said the 24-year-old. “It’s special, you play football for moments like that, moments like that make me proud.”
Difficult start at Arsenal
Havertz has been criticized by Arsenal supporters because he has rarely made a difference since the transfer. “I’ve had a difficult few weeks and months, but I’m happy and hope to be able to repeat that in the coming games,” he said.
“When things are easy, they are not appreciated. If things had been easier today, he wouldn’t have gotten the recognition he got now,” said Arteta, referring to the German’s dry spell. “Everyone hugged him and told him how much we love him – and there’s a reason for that. It’s because of the way he behaves in difficult moments. He’s an example to all of us of what to do when you has difficulties.”