Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal bagan their six-year quest for Champions League football with a 4-0 hammering of PSV on Wedneesday night.
The north Londoners took control early, with Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus scoring in the first half and Martin Odegaard completing the scoring in the second.
Mikel Arteta lauded Kai Havertz’s humble effort while also praising his team’s overall performance on a night when more celebrated Arsenal favorites grabbed the headlines. The German, who cost Arsenal £65 million in the summer, has finally settled into Arsenal’s midfield.
Arteta when asked about Havertz‘s performance on the night: “Yeah, he [Havertz] was really connected today in the game,’ said Arsenal’s manager after the game. It’s true I asked him to play two different roles in regards to the behaviours of the opponents and he’s so intelligent that he does it. It’s just finishing one or two actions that we had, but it’s coming and he’s so willing to do it.”
When asked about Arsenal’s return to the Champions League: “‘It was a beautiful night after such a long time. Everyone was getting a bit emotional before it. I was [emotional], yeah. I was really excited about it. I wanted to control and not show that too much, but I was really excited.”
“The journey started last year when we earned the right to be in this competition, which is where we have to be as a club. Now we have to produce what we have to produce to stay at this level.”
Havertz has had a disappointing start to the season for Arsenal following his move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates, with critics ripping into the German’s passing and ball-holding ability; however, Arteta will be pleased to see an improvement in performance as the fixtures begin to pile up.
