Arsenal face Sevilla in the Champions League tomorrow evening, and do so with a player who has scored a winner in the final of this illustrious competition.
Summer signing Kai Havertz netted the only goal as Chelsea beat Man City in the 2021 showdown, and that experience is something that Mikel Arteta views as a positive this season for Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s game, the Arsenal boss was asked if that was why he decided to splash out for the German international, and said, “That’s certainly one of the reasons, plus quality and the number of things he has already done in his career at his age.
“Then to improve the starting XI as well because he has tremendous quality, and that is going to help us to be better.”
The 24 year old has had a mixed start to his Arsenal career, but another former Chelsea teammate, Jorginho, has backed him to come good in the right part of London.
“I think Kai has so much potential,” he said, “and I’ve tried to stay close to him because, to be honest, he’s a great guy and an amazing footballer of course.
“He’s just arrived at the club, so many new things for him to adapt and learn. Of course he’s going to show so much more, but I think he’s doing well to be honest.
“I’m sure he’s hungry for much more and I’m sure he will do it.”
The Italian international also made it clear he’s targeting Champions League success for the Gunners – a trophy we came tantalisingly close to in 2006, but have never won.
“It would be something really, really special,” he said.
“Especially because after I moved here, the way I felt, how welcome everyone was with me at the club, the fans, so I think this club deserves to be there and succeed.
“So that would be something really, really special for me.”
I think Sevilla is the favourite tomorrow. Be humble and surprise them! COYG!
Certainly! We seemed cocky going into the Lens games (felt that way as a fan too; most of us thought it was an easy win). Put us in our place. Now get back on track with a pure performance.
They’ve got 9 points out of 9 games in La Liga so far so saying they’re the favourites is a bit much. Will be a tough game for sure though, they’ve got some of the best and most die hard fans in Europe so going there and getting a win will be very hard work, but definitely possible if we play as well as we did v. Eindhoven. Just hope Martin, Bukayo and co. are going easy on the patatas bravas tonight, strictly low carb tapas for you William! You know how those hands of yours pop up when you… Read more »
It’s true. If Saliba ate more healthily, he would jump like a pogo stick. Question: if the ball hits you while they are behind your back, why isn’t that a penalty? Clearly that’s an unnatural position,
Sevilla only plays to finish 3rd and go on to win the Europa League, I’m honestly not worried. COYG!
Sevilla will win Arsenal, through Raya’s blunders. Liverpool and spurs will finish ahead of arsenal by the end of the season,if arsenal don’t get a prolific striker in January
Joey Jay maybe ur just the man to sign in January?
Yes mate! 3rd in the league, level on points with Man C, already played Man U, Chelsea, Spurs and Man C, and I love the energy you are bringing. Whatever you do don’t let any optimism, balance or joy spill out. That way danger lies.
I think in terms of the Champions League, Arteta needs to prove himself just as much as Kai does.
Mikel has been utterly outstanding for Arsenal football club. You’d have to be wilfully ignorant not to agree with that.
But European-wise, it’s been ok to poor. I just don’t think we’ve looked good in any game I’ve seen us play under Arteta bar PSV last month.
I’m probably being a little harsh. Those Europa group games are always suffer ball. But it’s time to put in some big performances on what is the biggest stage in world football.
Arteta may have honed his coaching under Pep, but he sure got the bulk of his attitude from Arsene Wenger.
Every commentator and pundit – including many an Arsenal fan – is baying for Ramsdale’s return. Arteta’ll stick with Raya just to prove that he is his own man.
The problem is not which keeper. Taking risks at the back is meant to create an overload, as forwards are attracted to press high. Arsenal are so slow in transition this year, that the opposition have reformed long before we’ve stopped passing around the back.
I think Havertz’ contributions in both the Chelsea and City game have gone a bit under the radar, presumably because they don’t fit the narrative that he’s a complete waste of money. He was instrumental in both results, giving us a new dimension against high pressing teams. I feel that unlocking him is going to be key for this season’s prospects.
I agree with you. Havertz will get more influential as the season progresses.
Agreed. He is quietly playing well and improving while offering something different for the team.
Although the team are not quite clicking yet this season, I will say this. They are a decent, likeable bunch of players which is important to the fans. There are plenty of teams out there some really unpleasant players up to their neck in trouble, Man U for example with Ronaldo-lite.
I am really glad we do not have people like that in the club!
We have the players with the quality to beat any team right now, and I don’t normally say that. The Man City win showed we have it in us to win big games. The Man City game (major league match) and the PSV game ( Our first game back in the Champions League) our players really showed up and put two of the best performances of the season. For some reason against some lower quality opponents we tend to lack that extra spark and motivation to be ruthless and win matches. Example Fulham, Sp*rs, Chelsea and Lens. Honestly we should… Read more »
JorginNO