Mikel Arteta hails 'huge impact' of Kai Havertz, calls on Arsenal striker to 'maintain that level' after Brighton win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Kai Havertz for his “huge impact” on the side after a 3-0 win at Brighton on Saturday night.

Havertz scored just after the hour mark as he notched his ninth league goal for the club - a better return than in any season he managed for his previous side, Chelsea.

The 24-year-old German joined for £60 million last summer and there were doubts over where he would fit into the side.

After some early struggles, he has been one of Arsenal’s standout players for 2024, and his contribution helped his side to a victory that sees them go back to the top of the table, at least until Liverpool’s match with Manchester United on Sunday.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arteta had plenty of praise for the forward.

“He’s certainly having a huge impact on the team," Arteta said. "I think his overall performances have been really good and now his numbers in terms of goal contributions, are really, really high.

“He needs to maintain that level, I think the understanding between the attacking players today was superb - I think they had real purpose and connection, and a lot of clarity to attack against them, and we created many chances.

“A lot of the time players decide where they have to play, and we can have certain ideas, but then you see certain relationships and some things flow. And when it flows, you have to let it go, and I think Kai at the moment is flowing and he’s feeling really comfortable there, the rest of the team is comfortable with him there and things happen naturally.”

Discussing what was done to improve Havertz from the player signed from Chelsea, Arteta replied: “He's got some fantastic players around him. We have tried to create the right environment for him which I think is very important for any player.

“We have given him confidence, I think hopefully we've given the love that he needs. And after, he has the appreciation from the rest of the players and the staff at the club and now, our supporters for sure.”

Arsenal are currently one point clear of Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and Arteta pointed out that the standards at the top of the table demanded more improvement from his squad.

Ahead of their next match with Aston Villa, he added: “They're a really good side. So we know that we're going to have to blaze. We have won 10 and drawn one in the last 11 and we're not on top of the league [if Liverpool beat Manchester United].

“This is the level and as well, this is the reason why we have to improve so quickly as a team to try to be there.”

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