Arteta Says Havertz's Return Takes Arsenal to a Different Level

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta supports Kai Havertz to take Arsenal to a different level after he scored and provided two assists in a 3-2 win against Kairat in the last match of the Champions League group stage, Thursday, January 29, 2026, early morning WIB, at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz, who made his first start in 357 days after hamstring and knee surgery, set up Viktor Gyokeres for the opener in the second minute.

Jorginho equalised for Kairat from the spot moments later before Havertz scored his first goal in almost a year to restore Arsenal's lead.

Gabriel Martinelli added the third goal from Havertz's cross with nine minutes left in the first half. Ricardinho scored the consolation goal for the small team from Kazakhstan in injury time. Arsenal also completed the league phase with eight wins.

Havertz was withdrawn at half-time as Arsenal continued to gradually recover the German's fitness.

However, Arteta believes that Havertz will bring new energy to the Gunners once he is 100 percent.

"This will give him a lot of confidence, joy, and energy, and for the team. The team knows how important Kai is for us."

"How he can help the team to be much better and bring the team to a higher level. So, the fact that he was able to do that today (against Kairat) after so long is very impressive."

"The quality he showed and the way he connected with the team, the goal he scored and the assist he gave in the first half, it was a very positive performance."

"So, let's involve him and make sure we use him in the right way because he will be very important for us in the second half of the season," Arteta said.

Arsenal's victory ensured they finished first in the league phase standings after winning their eighth game.

Arteta's side, who were knocked out in the semi-finals of last season's Champions League, will return for the last 16 in March 2026 where they will likely face Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos or Borussia Dortmund.

Seeing Arsenal still have the potential to win four trophies this season, the players' fitness is also the key to facing a busy schedule.

No wonder, he needs to bring Havertz to recover completely and keep him from going back to the treatment room.

"He's fine. That's what we planned for him to play the first 45 minutes. Of course, he wants to continue the match."

"I'm very proud of the players and the journey we've been on in the first phase of the tournament. It's very difficult to win eight consecutive matches in the Champions League and you can see what's happening with other teams."

"We really need to acknowledge that, but that's it. Now the tournament stops. We will have a period of reflection and then prepare for the next opponent, as well as playing game after game," said Arteta.

Arsenal will return to action in the English League when they travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Saturday, January 31, 2026, WIB night.

The Gunners - despite losing to Manchester United at the weekend - are currently four points clear at the top of the table.