Arsenal hero Alan Smith believes one thing Kai Havertz did during Saturday’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League ‘deserved better’ from his teammate.
The Gunners travelled down to the south coast to content their 31st game of the season this weekend. Manager Mikel Arteta also made four changes from the Arsenal XI that beat Luton Town 2-0 on Wednesday night at Brighton as he sought to manage his title-contending side.
Arteta recalled Jorginho, Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus after benching the trio in midweek at Emirates Stadium. While Bukayo Saka regained his spot on Arsenal’s right wing after missing Luton’s visit to north London through injury. Reiss Nelson did not make their side at Brighton.
Kai Havertz made his 30th Premier League appearance for Arsenal at Brighton
A starting place awaited Havertz at Amex Stadium, though, as Arteta trusted the 24-year-old with leading Arsenal’s attack against Brighton. The German lined up as their centre-forward as Jesus occupied the left-wing slot he also took up for their 0-0 draw with Manchester City.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height
Havertz has now started in 23 of his 30 Premier League games since joining Arsenal in June from Chelsea. Arteta was only without their attacking midfielder when the Gunners lost 2-0 at home to West Ham United in December as he served his suspension for five yellow cards.
Arteta nearly relished his decision to start Havertz as his striker on Arsenal’s trip to Brighton, as well, when the Aachen native carved out an inviting chance for Jesus. But the 27-year-old natural centre-forward would not send an unchallenged header on target in the 15th minute.
Alan Smith feels Kai Havertz ‘deserved better’ from Gabriel Jesus at Brighton
Jorginho spotted Havertz peeling in behind the Brighton backline as Arsenal sought an early advantage. The Italian threaded a perfect pass through for Havertz, who stood the defence up before lifting an inviting cross toward the back post for Jesus as the Brazilian charged in.
But Jesus wasted Arsenal’s early chance with the Sao Paulo native shooting well wide of the post. His header also left Gunners hero Smith feeling like Havertz’s pass merited more after letting Brighton off the hook amid Arsenal’s early pressure in their Premier League meeting.
“It’s a good run from Havertz, it really is,” Smith said on Sky Sports Main Event (6/4, 17:45). “And this is a great pick out, superb pass – [it] deserved better.”