Kai Havertz, entering the game as a substitute, secured a crucial late victory for us against Brentford last Saturday and expressed his satisfaction with his performance.
Positioned perfectly, the German international headed home a well-placed cross from Bukayo Saka in the 89th minute. This decisive goal not only earned us a valuable three points but also propelled us back to the summit of the table.
It was Havertz’ second goal of the campaign for Arsenal, his first from open play and one that sent the Gunners to the top of the log. The German is slowly growing in confidence under Mikel Arteta and was delighted to have played his part after coming from the bench.
Havertz reaction after Brentford winner
“I think the most important is always the team,” he said afterwards, “and to have the three points is very good for me as well, personally you know. I worked quite hard to get these moments again and today, I got it so I’m very, very happy.
“We came here to win and it’s a very good feeling to go home with three points.”
“The ball was perfect,” he said of Saka’s cross to the far post. “That’s something we also trained a lot in training and I thought maybe I go there, so hopefully the ball arrives and it arrived perfect so I’m happy to score.”
“It’s always good to be up top but you have to look game by game and still so many games to play, such a long season. You just have to focus on ourselves, win the games and then see at the end what’s going to happen,” Havertz added.
Speaking about Havertz’ goal, Arteta said: “Yes, but I think that’s the beauty of it. When things come easy, you don’t value them. If things would have come easier today, he’s [probably] not getting the reception that he got; everybody hugging him and cuddling him, and telling him how much we love him, and it’s for a reason.”
“It’s because of the way he behaves in difficult moments and he’s an example for all of us to do what you have to do when you have difficulties, and he’s a great example for the team, and we cannot be happier that a big player like him wins the game for the team.”
Arsenal will now be looking to book their spot in the Champions League round of 16 when they face Lens on Wednesday. A win for the Gunners will surely guarantee them first spot ahead of the last round of fixtures.
