Kai may Hav kick-started Arsenal career with Brentford goal

Kai Havertz provided his first big moment in an Arsenal shirt to secure a priceless 1-0 victory at Brentford on Saturday.

The Germany international came off the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium to net an 89th-minute winner and move the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.

It was the 24-year-old's first goal from open play this season after striking from the penalty spot in September's 4-0 win at Bournemouth.

And Havertz's back-post header could prove to be a turning point in his career at the Emirates following a difficult start.

Team player

Havertz's critics have been fairly vocal this season, with the former Bayer Leverkusen ace failing to make an instant impact after his switch from Chelsea.

But the forward refused to let the tough situation impact his desire to help the team — and Mikel Arteta believes the difficulties he has faced will prove beneficial in the long run.

The Arsenal boss said: "If things come easy, you don't value them. If things came easy then he [Havertz] wouldn't have got the reception he got today with everybody hugging him and telling him how much we love him.

"It's for a reason, it's because of the way he behaves in difficult situations. He's an example for all of us to do what you have to do when you have difficulties.

"It's a great example for the team. We cannot be happier that a big player like him wins the game for the team." 

Havertz added: "I have tried to put my ego aside and the team is the important thing."

Past success

Wednesday's Champions League tie with Lens is Havertz's next chance to impress and the attacker will hope his goal at Brentford can help rediscover a golden touch.

While never prolific in a Chelsea shirt, he racked up some seriously impressive numbers in his final two seasons at Leverkusen.

In 2018-19, he scored 17 goals in 34 Bundesliga appearances and then struck 12 more times the following campaign. 

Havertz has also scored 14 goals in 42 matches for Germany, most recently bagging the opener in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Turkey while operating as a left-back.

Jack of all trades

Julian Nagelsmann's decision to trial Havertz as a full-back is yet more evidence of his versatility — a trait which significantly increases his chances of making a positive impact in North London.

Owen Hargreaves believes there is no other player in the world who can operate in as many positions, although is concerned that he is perhaps "too versatile".

The former England and Bayern Munich midfielder said: "I feel a little bit for him [Havertz] because he is a really talented player. He is almost too versatile.

"Midweek for Germany he played as a left-back or wing-back. Today he came on and played as a centre forward.

"Tell me another player in the world who can do that? Who can play as a right winger and No10? Technically he is very good." 

A fixed position in the side may help bring the best out of Havertz on a consistent basis but the injection of confidence from the Brentford goal may also further enhance the impact of his versatility — and show why Arsenal spent £65million to sign him.