Kai Havertz Silences Critics, Statistics Approach Van Persie
Kai Havertz became an important actor in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the 2024/2025 Champions League, Wednesday, October 2, 2024, early morning WIB.
He contributed the opener in the 20th minute. The goal means a lot to Havertz.
First, it is clear that silencing critics who have been doubtful of their abilities.
Kai Havertz's statistics have now made the doubters silent. The goal against PSG left him with a record of always scoring goals in six consecutive games at the Emirates.
Only Robin Van Persie did more in a row, seven times in 2011-2012, just before he joined Manchester United.
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Havertz's goal in winning the Champions League is increasingly showing that he has become a prominent star with one of the most remarkable transformations of the season.
Havertz was bought from Chelsea as a midfielder for 65 million in July 2023. He suddenly looked like a natural center-forward Mikel Arteta had long coveted.
The manager from Spain often put him as a targetman. Apparently, Havertz was able to carry out this role well.
Arteta also praised the 25-year-old after his dynamic leadership at the forefront.
"He's amazing. His football brain, the way he understands space, the time, he brings people together."
"His work ethic is incredible. He is a real threat around the penalty box. He is one of our main players today," Arteta told Amazon Prime.
Havertz made the difference. He currently has a chance to match Van Persie's record by scoring seven goals in a row at Emirates.
Arsenal, who are in third place, will host Southampton on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
One additional goal in the Premier League will bring Havertz ahead of Emmanuel Adebayor (2007-08) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2019).
However, there are still many who doubt he will continue his slick record this weekend. Not a few who argue he will match Robin van Persie's record.
Kai Havertz is not a pure striker. He is an attacking midfielder who is often placed on the right side of the attack.
However, the challenge from Arteta was able to be answered as the spearhead. However, Havertz could not deceive his original instincts that he always started threats from the right side.
Just look at his heat-maps on the pitch against PSG where he appears more often on the right side of the attack.