Manager Mikel Arteta praised Kai Havertz after the German scored the only goal as Arsenal beat Brentford to go top of the Premier League.
Asked if finishing ability was one of the reasons Arsenal signed Havertz for a total fee of $82 million in the summer of 2023, Arteta replied: "Absolutely. Against a defence that sits deep and protects the box like this, you need a player like Havertz. He also has the versatility and special qualities to play in many positions. Today, Havertz brought us three points."
Arteta (left) sent Havertz onto the field in the 79th minute of Arsenal's 1-0 win over Brentford in the 13th round of the Premier League on November 26. Photo: arsenal.com
At Gtech Community Stadium on November 25, Arsenal had many difficulties with two goal-line escapes. The "Gunners" also had Leandro Trossard's goal denied at the end of the first half for offside.
The difference only came in the 89th minute, when Bukayo Saka crossed to the far post for Havertz to head the ball through goalkeeper Mark Flekken's legs into the net. The 1-0 victory took Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table with 30 points, one and two points ahead of Man City and Liverpool respectively.
After the match, Arteta pulled Havertz to the away fans to celebrate together. Regarding this action, the Spanish coach said: "Havertz deserved it. He faced and did not hide in difficult moments. So now enjoy the beautiful moment because Havertz deserved it. I knew Havertz would not do that so I had to push him."
Havertz headed home the winning goal for Arsenal in a 1-0 victory at Brentford in the 13th round of the Premier League on the evening of November 25. Photo: Reuters
Arteta praised Ramsdale for his bravery and was pleased with his players' clean sheet. The 41-year-old also appreciated the fact that the whole team ran to congratulate Ramsdale after the final whistle. "When I see the team united like that, the members are happy, I am very happy and could not be more proud. I am very grateful to the people who work with me to make my job enjoyable," he said.
Ramsdale in a situation where he lost the ball and almost caused Arsenal to concede an early goal. Photo: Reuters
What has left Arteta dissatisfied is that Arsenal have yet to find a balance between defence and attack. The Spanish coach stressed that he wants Arsenal to take advantage and score three goals in the first half, instead of struggling and waiting until the last minutes to decide the match.
On November 29, Arsenal will return home to face Lens in the fifth round of Group B of the Champions League. Arteta and his team will be sure to continue as toppers if they win three points.
Hong Duy
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