Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Kai Havertz after the Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League table with a 3-0 win away at Brighton on Saturday. Havertz’s performance was lauded by Arteta and British tennis icon Andy Murray, who also expressed appreciation for Havertz’s contribution to the game. Havertz scored one goal and set up another, demonstrating outstanding work rate and determination. Bukayo Saka scored his 14th league goal of the season from the penalty spot in the first half, while Havertz doubled the lead with a goal on the hour mark.
Leandro Trossard added a late third goal. Arteta expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the difficulty of playing against Brighton and praising the team’s quality, discipline, and chemistry. Saka, who overcame a muscle injury, also emphasized the team’s momentum and ability to defend well, contrasting the team’s current performance with the struggles of the previous season. The victory improved Arsenal’s goal difference over title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
Despite being on top of the table with 71 points and 14 clean sheets from 31 league matches, Arsenal still faces competition from Liverpool. The team will also soon return to Champions League action with a quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich.