Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal team to follow Kai Havertz’s ‘example’ after winning goal ends poor run.
Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz is a “great example” to his teammates after overcoming a difficult start at Arsenal to score the game-winning goal against Brentford.
On Saturday night, Havertz scored in the 89th minute to lift Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It was only the German’s second goal for Arsenal since coming from Chelsea for £65 million in the summer, and he was swarmed by his teammates.
At the final whistle, Mikel Arteta grabbed Havertz and carried him over to the supporters, who sang the midfielder’s name.
“If things come easy, you don’t value them,” Arteta added. “He wouldn’t have gotten the reception he got today with everyone hugging him and telling him how much we love him if things had been easy.”
“There’s a reason for it; it’s because of how he acts in difficult situations.” He is an example for all of us to follow when faced with adversity.
“It’s an excellent example for the team.” We’re overjoyed that a big player like him won the game for the club.
“You need this kind of profile against these [low defensive] blocks and against teams that defend the box like this.” He’s quite good at it. He won the game for us today in that action.
“He fully deserves [the reception from the Arsenal fans]. When you are there sometimes and you have to face it and he’s done that, he didn’t hide.
“Now go face the beautiful moment because you deserve it.” I knew he wouldn’t do it, so I had to force him.”
Arsenal were not at their best against Brentford, but they managed to win. In the first half, there were some shaky moments, particularly from keeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal team to follow Kai Havertz’s ‘example’ after winning goal ends poor run
Ramsdale was making his first League start since September 3 and appeared to be lacking in confidence and game time. He almost got caught out from behind twice in the first half, but he improved after the interval.
“This is football,” Arteta explained. “I’m really pleased with the team’s performance with the clean sheet. We proceed. I’m overjoyed.
“Courage, he has big courage and big personality and that’s why we love him.”
After a rough start, Ramsdale kept a clean sheet and, like Havertz, was mobbed by his teammates in the conclusion.
“It’s a joy as a manager to watch this kind of reaction,” Arteta said in a statement. “It doesn’t get any better than players looking after themselves and showing love to one another.”
“Today is my 200th game and when I see players who behave like that, a staff that is smiling, I’m so happy and I cannot be prouder and more grateful for everybody that’s been with us every single day to make my job more enjoyable.”
