Journalist Charles Watts was blown away by the performance that one Arsenal star produced against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Arsenal kept their Premier League title dream alive and kicking with a 3-2 triumph in the North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side went ahead with just 15 minutes on the clock as Bukayo Saka’s corner was diverted into his own net by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Not too long after that, Kai Havertz released the winger with a long-range pass as the Gunners sought to hit the hosts on the counter-attack.
The Hale End academy graduate took the ball into his stride with a perfect first touch before cutting inside Ben Davies and picking out the bottom corner of the net.
Although Spurs largely dominated possession and territory in the first half, Havertz then put Arsenal 3-0 up before the break as he connected with a Declan Rice corner to nod home from close range. Arteta’s side’s brilliance from set-pieces was the difference between the two teams. Arsenal coach Nicolas Jover was credited by Gary Neville for his influence in this regard.
Arsenal set a North London derby record by ratcheting up such a lead so quickly.
Kai Havertz shines for Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Havertz also enjoyed a fantastic opening period. The German used his physicality and intelligent movement to lead the line brilliantly for the visitors. The 24-year-old has impressed as a striker in recent months and really stepped up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Havertz has previously been labelled as a big game player, and lived up to that billing in this all-important derby clash.
It has even been suggested that Arsenal could be set to change their summer transfer plans to sign a striker due to the form of Havertz.
Charles Watts heaps praise on Kai Havertz
Charles Watts was wowed by the former Chelsea man’s display. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said “Havertz was absolutely exceptional…that was one of the best No. 9 performances you’re going to see in the Premier League this season.”
The Gunners now need the forward to maintain his current form for the final three games of their top flight campaign. Whilst Arsenal still need Manchester City to slip up, Arsenal will realistically need to take maximum points from these last outings to stand any chance of being crowned champions.
Full focus will now be on their upcoming clash with Bournemouth with the North London derby celebrations now over with.
