Kai Havertz was left “so upset” at failing to score in Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League win over Lille, despite making a strong impact from the bench, manager Mikel Arteta has revealed.
The Germany international impressed during his appearance in midweek, but his competitive nature meant he was dissatisfied at the final whistle. Arteta said Havertz was pleased to have helped the team while still being frustrated by his failure to get on the scoresheet.
“He’s so competitive, Kai,” Arteta said at his press conference. “He came in against Lille, he made a massive impact, you could see it straight away what he did on the pitch.
“He left the pitch and he was so upset that he didn’t score a goal. He was happy to help the team, but he was so upset.”
Arteta said that attitude was exactly what Arsenal wanted from the 27-year-old, who is continuing to regain his best form after a lengthy injury absence last season.
“That’s the Kai that we want, the guy that wants to evolve and improve every single day,” the Arsenal manager added. “He loves the game, he loves to learn, he loves to feel important. He loves to feel that he can help other players as well.”
Havertz’s return to form is a significant boost for Arsenal, with Arteta particularly pleased by how quickly the forward has rediscovered his level after being out injured.
Arsenal travel to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon seeking a third consecutive victory. They responded to a 3-0 defeat by Brighton before the international break with a 2-1 win over Leeds United and the emphatic success against Lille.
