Mikel Arteta has hailed Arsenal fans for their backing of Kai Havertz after the struggling Germany international netted his first goal for the London club against AFC Bournemouth.
The Gunners cruised to a 4-0 victory against the Cherries on Saturday, 30th of September with Bukayo Saka opening the scoresheet before captain Martin Odegaard found the back of the net from the penalty spot just before the first half break.
Arsenal were given another spot-kick immediately after the break, but instead of Odegaard or Bukayo Saka taking it as usual, the team captain passed the ball to Havertz to score for the first time since joining the club from Chelsea.
The former Bayer Leverkusen player made a surprise transfer to the North London club from city rival Chelsea in a £65m deal over the summer, with Mikel Arteta very interested in the 24-year-old who struggled with mixed fortunes at Stamford Bridge.
However, Arsenal fans and pundits have been split up over the German player, particularly after he fell to score or assist in his first nine games for his new club.
After his goal deadlock was broken, Havertz’s teammates hurried to celebrate with the 24-year-old, with the club supporters chanting a new song for the former Chelsea player with lyrics which reads; “Sixty million down the drain? Kai Havertz scores again”.
The former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder was mobbed by his colleagues in celebration after he boldly slotted the spot-kick into the top corner.
The win took Arsenal to within one point behind league leaders and defending champions Manchester City.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Mikel Arteta said; “I’m really happy for the win, but I’m even happier to be part of a team that shows the human qualities that they did today”.
“Without me telling them anything, to show that empathy to a player that has some question marks to resolve externally, they warmed me, even more, today. They’ve done it in a really natural way”.
“To show that level of empathy and understanding, worrying and caring for somebody is just great”.
He added; “I’m thankful to our supporters as they sang his name. Kai deserves that”.
Due to the 24-year-old recent performances, Kai Havertz has been linked with a move away from Arsenal with FC Barcelona keen on his service and another teammate Jorginho.
What’s next for Kai Havertz and Arsenal?
Mikel Arteta will be looking forward to seeing Kai Havertz kick on to become a crucial player in Arsenal’s bid for a first Premier League title since Arsene Wenger era.
The Gunners will be in action again in UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 3rd of October when they travel to France to face Lens before they host Man City in a crucial battle next Sunday.
