“Martin Odegaard Reflects on ‘Beautiful’ Moment with Kai Havertz as Arsenal Chase Premier League Glory”

“Martin Odegaard Reflects on ‘Beautiful’ Moment with Kai Havertz as Arsenal Chase Premier League Glory”

Kai Havertz has now truly established himself at Arsenal.

Arsenal signed Kai Havertz from Chelsea last summer, and he arrived at the Emirates Stadium under something of a cloud.

The German had never been able to consistently impress in his time at Chelsea, and looked bereft of confidence when he first came to North London. Havertz was called the worst signing of the summer by some.

Mikel Arteta clearly saw something in Havertz, but the 25-year-old did not hit the ground running for the Gunners. Arteta tried to reinvent Havertz as a midfielder, but the player never looked especially comfortable in the role.

In his early days at Arsenal, it was clear that the player needed something of a lift, which was noticed by his teammates.

In late September, last season, against Bournemouth, the Gunners were awarded a penalty.

Usually Bukayo Saka or club captain Martin Odegaard would assume responsibility from the spot. On that occasion, though, the skipper insisted that Havertz be handed the ball. The former Chelsea man made no mistake from the spot, and opened his Arsenal account.

It was not until around the turn of the year, when he was moved up front to play as a striker, that Havertz really found his feet at Arsenal, but this was still undeniably an important moment for him.

Not least because Arsenal fans debuted their Shakira-inspired Havertz chant at this game, after he found the back of the net for the first time.

Martin Odegaard explains Kai Havertz penalty decision
Odegaard was recently asked to explain his thinking behind giving Havertz that “beautiful moment” against Bournemouth, in an interview with Men in Blazers.

The Norwegian playmaker said: “Kai was struggling a little bit in the beginning, he didn’t score all of the goals he wanted, he’s a big signing, a big name, it’s easy for fans to come after him a little bit.

“I thought he did well, he played well and he just kept on going. We had this moment and we all really trust him with the penalties, we know he is a proper penalty taker so yeah we just decided it was time for him to get his goal.

“Usually Bukayo [Saka] is the one taking the penalties, but we agreed it was the right moment for Kai to do it and after that he grew on it.”

Odegaard and Havertz went on holiday together this summer, showing that they have a close relationship on and off the pitch.

Havertz sets tone for Arsenal vs Wolves

Havertz began this season as Arsenal’s first choice striker, and got off the mark straight away in the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Wolves on Saturday. He timed his run brilliantly to connect with Saka’s cross and nod his side ahead with 25 minutes on the clock.

Arteta has hinted Havertz may still play in midfield for Arsenal at times this season, but even if that is the case, given that the player now looks so settled and assured in North London, he ought to be able to thrive in the role.

In any case, he will be expected to play a starring role for Arsenal throughout the season, as the Gunners target a Premier League title triumph.