Arsenal 4-0 PSV: Arteta praises ‘intelligent’ Gunners ace

That is the view of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who has been speaking to the club’s official website.

Arsenal coasted to victory upon their Champions League return, running riot against PSV on Wednesday night.

Bukayo Saka put Arsenal into an early lead before Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus added to the scoreline.

Martin Odegaard wrapped up a 4-0 win, handing Arsenal a convincing comeback to Europe’s top competition.

Mikel Arteta praises Kai Havertz

Arteta made some changes from Sunday’s 1-0 win at Everton, bringing Kai Havertz into the starting lineup.

The German replaced Fabio Vieira in the starting XI, operating alongside Declan Rice and Odegaard in midfield.

Havertz hasn’t exactly impressed since completing his summer move from Chelsea but Arteta was happy with his display on Wednesday.

Arteta suggested that Havertz was ‘very connected’ in the game whilst acknowledging that he essentially asks Havertz to play two roles between midfield and attack depending on how the opposition approach the game.

Arteta believes Havertz is ‘so intelligent’ in that regard and whilst the end product still wasn’t there, Arteta thinks ‘it’s coming’.

“He was very connected today in the game,” said Arteta. “It’s true that I ask him to play in two different roles in regard to the opponent’s behaviours. He’s so intelligent the way he does it. It’s just finishing one or two actions that we had again, but it’s coming and he’s so willing to do it,” he added.

Havertz stats v PSV

Havertz played the full 90 minutes against PSV and had two shots, but neither were on target.

The former Bayer Leverkusen ace registered one key pass and three successful aerial duels, as well as one dribble.

Nobody in the Arsenal side made more tackles than Havertz though as he registered four, but did also commit three fouls.

Arsenal do still need more from Havertz but Arteta is seeing encouraging signings from his summer signing.

Related Topics

MORE ARSENAL STORIES