‘World class’… Kai Havertz left blown away by £12m Arsenal player against Newcastle
Arsenal’s scorer Kai Havertz took a moment to shower praise on one of his teammates following their impressive victory over Newcastle United yesterday.
Any worries about a European hangover for Mikel Arteta’s squad were swiftly dispelled by their strong start to the game. Arteta’s strategic pressing tactics paid off handsomely, putting significant pressure on Newcastle’s defense, which appeared overwhelmed from the outset.
Captain Martin Odegaard played a pivotal role by leading the press effectively from the front—a facet of his game that often goes unnoticed. This proactive approach resulted in Arsenal gaining possession high up the pitch, allowing players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz to operate in dangerous areas near the Newcastle goal.
Havertz, who contributed a goal and an assist to the match, could easily have been awarded the player of the match title himself. However, Jorginho’s outstanding performance, controlling the midfield and distributing the ball masterfully, rightfully earned him the accolade.
In a post-match interview with TNT Sports, Havertz expressed his admiration for his teammate Jorginho, emphasizing their special connection, which dates back to their time together at Chelsea. Havertz highlighted the ease of playing alongside Jorginho due to their deep understanding of each other’s game.
The victory over Newcastle was undoubtedly a morale booster for Arsenal, especially following the disappointment against FC Porto. The team’s performance, characterized by a flurry of goals and scoring opportunities, augurs well for their upcoming clash with Porto at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite trailing 1-0, Arsenal’s recent goal-scoring form—15 goals in their last three Premier League games—provides optimism for their chances against Porto.
In the aftermath of the win, Declan Rice confessed to underestimating the quality of one Arsenal player, further underscoring the team’s impressive display against Newcastle.