Arsenal strolled to a 2-0 comfortable victory over Luton Town to keep their excellent form going, but it was a fairly unremarkable display.
Martin Odegaard struck the first goal with a powerful shot into the bottom corner before Emile Smith Rowe helped set up an own goal, and Arsenal were otherwise playing with less intensity than in recent weeks to see out the game.
There were some impressive performers all over the pitch despite the lack of goals compared to some of Arsenal’s other wins in recent months, and Kai Havertz was again solid despite not finding the back of the net.
Havertz set up Odegaard’s goal with an excellent pass, and his overall performance was strong despite picking up a yellow card for diving, which Mikel Arteta was unhappy with.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height
Kai Havertz had an unseen impact in Arsenal win vs Luton
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Luton Town defender Tom Lockyer, who is currently sidelined, praised Havertz for his movement throughout the match, which may not have been spotted by most viewers.
“He’s really at home now. The amount of times he did double movement today where he went short off [Teden] Mengi and then spun in behind, and he would have got the ball if it was played to him,” he explained.
“It might not get picked up by the cameras, but they’re the sort of movements that even if he doesn’t get it, he might get the next one. Then he’ll keep going and get the next one, and eventually something will happen to him.
“When someone works as hard as that, making those selfless runs, then something will fall in the end.”
Kai Havertz’s constant movement helps Arsenal attack
Havertz’s role as a centre-forward is not a traditional one, as whilst he provides a lot of physicality as a target man, he also drifts into open space.
This allows Arsenal to attack with more fluidity, as he links up with the attacking midfielders and drops back when Odegaard pushes forward to press.
Havertz also troubles opposition centre-backs with his movement and height, and this combination makes him difficult to defend against whilst opening up more space for his teammates.
After a difficult start at Arsenal, he is now thriving, and has now beaten the best goals and assist tally he managed with Chelsea.