Arsenal fans are all in complete agreement about one thing after watching Kai Havertz’s performance in the opening game of Euro 2024.
The Gunners attacker started up front for Germany and helped his side pick up a dominant 5-1 win over Kieran Tierney’s Scotland.
There were a few question marks over Havertz in the weeks leading up to the Euros. Some people in Germany strongly believed that Julian Nagelsmann was making a mistake by starting the Arsenal man over Niclas Füllkrug up front.
However, the Germany boss ignored all the critics and kept his faith in Havertz, and the 25-year-old delivered at the Allianz Arena on Friday night.
Havertz assisted Jamal Musiala’s goal before scoring one of his own, from the penalty spot. It was a fine performance from the Arsenal man, who received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the second half.
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height
Arsenal fans make Mikel Arteta claim after Kai Havertz shines at Euro 2024
Havertz has gone from being an underwhelming footballer at Chelsea to an absolute star at Arsenal. Gunners fans all believe Mikel Arteta is the reason behind this transformation.
Many took to X during and after the game on Friday night to praise Arteta for saving Havertz’s career after his poor spell at Chelsea.
One fan wrote: “This is Kai Havertz’s tournament and you’re all witnessing it. 45 minutes. One goal. One assist. Mikel Arteta has changed his world.”
“Havertz got a standing ovation from the fans after a great performance tonight. Mikel Arteta saved his career,” tweeted another.
Another Arsenal fan said: “Kai Havertz has become a much better footballer under Mikel Arteta’s guidance. Chelsea nearly ruined a generational talent!
“Arteta really saved Havertz this season,” wrote another Gooner.
Havertz’s record as a striker will blow you away
Havertz mostly played as a left-sided number eight for Arsenal in the first half of the 2023/24 season.
The German struggled in that role and looked nowhere near as good as Granit Xhaka did in the same position in the previous season.
Then, Havertz was deployed up front, and even though some pundits have refused to give Arteta credit for that, it has proved to be a masterstroke.
Havertz has been absolutely unbelievable as a striker, and his numbers in that position since the start of the 2023/24 season have been extraordinary.
The German has played 17 games up front for club and country and has directly contributed to 19 goals – 11 goals and eight assists.
Havertz showed his class for Germany against Scotland, and the fact that he is still only 25 means he will only get better. That makes the coming season really exciting if you’re an Arsenal fan.