In three seasons at Stamford Bridge, Havertz played 139 matches for a mixed record at best with 12 assists and 32 goals. Including the one that gave Chelsea their second Champions League in 2021 against Manchester City. But he capped in the Premier League at 8 goals. Which quite faithfully sums up the profile of this unique player. As elusive as he is versatile, leaving the question of his best position unanswered. Attacker? Attacking midfielder ? Mikel Arteta gives the impression of having found the beginning of an answer. Like Julian Nagelsmann in the German selection, the technician uses the left-hander in a free role up front. Which suits him quite well.
”In fact, he is placed where he can attack, notes Ian Wright, 156 goals in 264 appearances for Arsenal between 1991 and 1998. His touch on the ball is brilliant and he is very strong.”
If he took time to unlock his score with the Gunners having to wait until September 30 and his eighth appearance to finally score on a penalty against Bournemouth, the German international (44 caps, 15 goals) is at seven goals and four assists in the last ten Premier League matches. No one has done as well over this period and in its wake, Arsenal continue to not give up in the title race.
He was incredible in all areas of the game.”
”He has been incredible in all areas of the game0enthused Arteta after the success against Chelsea (5-0). For a number nine to score twice like that… His contribution was incredible. I’m sure he’s very, very happy.”
To prove to his detractors that they are on the wrong track? He had fun with it at the beginning of the month after his festival in Brighton where his goal and his decisive pass had put an end to the Seagulls' invincibility at home which had been running since September, which had pushed Roberto De Zerbi to ask him for his jersey . “If I like it? A lot, the man who celebrates his goals like Neymar, with his tongue out and his hands on his temples, said in a predatory smile at the Skysports microphone. That's part of the game. There are always people who don't like you or talk bad about you. I accept it. I can’t make everyone happy.” The Arsenal supporters are in heaven, they who did not fail to sing the song in their glory to the tune of Sharika's waka-waka to upset Chelsea. What the Blues community manager undoubtedly heard. Or not.
