"On nights like these, when Europe's lesser lights drift into London and a rotated Arsenal side strolls to victory, it is tempting to dismiss the occasion as little more than glorified conditioning. But football rarely works in straight lines, and Arsenal's win over Kairat Almaty offered more than the sterile comfort of a routine triumph. It gave the clearest indication yet that Kai Havertz-after a year scarred by injuries, form dips, and constant questions-may finally be ready to reclaim a starring role in Mikel Arteta's plans."
"Given 45 minutes from the start, Havertz needed to do more than simply participate-he needed to imprint himself on the game. He did exactly that. The slide‑rule pass for Viktor Gyökeres' opener showed vision. The rifled finish, cutting inside before finding the far corner, showed conviction. The unselfish assist-before-the-assist, squaring to Gyökeres instead of taking on the shot himself, showed awareness and leadership."
Kai Havertz produced a clear re-emergence, scoring and helping create two more while showing renewed confidence, sharpness and rhythm. His movements were assured, his touches decisive and his instincts sharper than at any point since last spring. Given 45 minutes, he stamped his influence with a slide-rule pass for Viktor Gyökeres' opener, a rifled finish after cutting inside, and an unselfish assist-before-the-assist. Those tangible contributions and intangible leadership arrive at a necessary moment as Arsenal navigate four competitions and a volatile front line, offering Mikel Arteta an added attacking option.
Read at Soccer News
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