Kai Havertz: Arsenal’s Unsung Hero?

After securing a confident away victory against Brighton in the Premier League last weekend, Arsenal’s dreams of winning the first league title in 20 years are now one step closer to becoming a reality. As it currently stands, Arsenal is sitting on top of the Premier League table with 71 points earned in 31 games.

The Gunners share the same points with the other title contenders, Liverpool, but enjoy an important advantage over them in goal difference. Manchester City, is also breathing down the necks of both teams with 70 points in third place and is very much on in the Premier League’s intense title race.

The Gunners find themselves in their current exciting situation largely due to Kai Havertz and his performances on the pitch.

Havertz at Chelsea

A versatile offensive player from Germany, Havertz set the start to his career in England in 2020, moving to Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen, his boyhood club, for 80 million euros. His technique with the ball, playmaking skills and ability to play as a winger or attacker in the centre came out clear when he played for Bayer. As Chelsea sought a needed boost to their front line after Eden Hazard’s departure to Spain, the club’s management saw great value in the transfer of a young and talented German player.

Despite an individually uneven debut season with the Blues and against all odds, Havertz scored Chelsea’s most important goal since 2012. His game-winning goal in the Champions League final against Manchester City was the only goal he netted in the 2020/21 Champions League tournament. The historic goal allowed Chelsea to clinch their second-ever Champions League trophy.

Although there was a lack of consistency in Havertz’s performances in his first season at Chelsea, he managed to truly show up in some of the most important matches of the campaign. Chelsea’s fresh attacking trio consisting of Timo Werner, Mason Mount, and Havertz proved that they could produce when it mattered the most.

Havertz’s performance and consistency problems became more acute and apparent in Chelsea’s frustrating 2022/23 season, which the club might want to forget. A 12^th place Premier League finish and poor overall performances in other competitions made it evident that the whole team needed restructuring to change the flawed direction.

Transfer to Arsenal

As part of the team rebuilding process, Chelsea transferred Havertz to Arsenal, their London rivals, for the reported 65 million pounds in the summer of 2023. Football fans were quick to react with disbelief and memes. Many could not wrap their heads around the transfer, questioning its logic and laughing it off. However, as the season unfolded, Havertz proved that he could be a very valuable player on the pitch.

The numbers Havertz has generated for Arsenal are not insane, especially by modern football standards. However, with time, Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta found a way to take the most out of Havertz on a football pitch. Havertz’s role under Arteta’s guidance in Arsenal’s starting 11 is instrumental and is not just about goals and assists.

Mainly playing as a false nine and dropping back to a central midfield position, when necessary, Havertz and his movements on the field often create more space and play for his teammates, which allows Arsenal’s offensive style to prosper.

Havertz has also demonstrated that he is capable of being the main man in the conclusion of Arsenal’s attacks, scoring crucial goals and providing important assists. His recent form has been superb, as he has recorded five goals and four assists in his last eight Premier League appearances.

Havertz’s current form can serve as a great aid to Arsenal for the remainder of the season, both in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League, where lie the team’s dreams of historic glory.