Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why new signing Kai Havertz will be key for the team as they chase the Premier League title this season.
The 24-year-old German international, who switched from Chelsea to the Gunners this summer, was among the goals as Arsenal cruised to a 5-0 pre-season victory against MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on Wednesday night.
Havertz was on the receiving end from a Marquinhos cross, but he touched the ball off his chest, before letting it bounce, then rifled it into the net past New England Revolution keeper Djordje Petrovic. Arsenal had taken control of the game when Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring after just five minutes, with Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, and Gabriel Martinelli also hitting the target.
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Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about Havertz’s display and he responded: “I think, again, it’s one of the main qualities he has. He gives us something very different with his quality and size as well, when you have to beat the press for example, and use him as a target man.
“So, we will see – for now, he’s playing in the attacking midfield position, but I’m sure throughout the season and throughout games as well, we’re going to have the options to play him in different positions.”
On whether Arsenal’s attacking options will help them this season, Arteta said: “I hope so. We have to start doing the right things in preseason to get the best possible preparation and get that chemistry and cohesion in the team. And then we go step by step. It’s a tremendous league, it’s so competitive. Let’s see how we start and we will go from there.”
Arsenal will next face rivals Manchester United in their next pre-season friendly at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.