He has gained our respect – Mikel Arteta lauds Kai Havertz after win against Wolves

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta showered praise on forward Kai Havertz after a 2-0 win against Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The German striker scored the opening goal for the Gunners in the 25th minute.

Havertz also provided an assist as Bukayo Saka scored the hosts’ second goal. Arteta said that Havertz has gained the respect of the team after impressing one and all with his performance. 

Havertz had done a decent job at the fag end of the last season and retained his place in the team as a centre-forward.

Arteta said after the win, “Every player needs some time to adapt and get to know everybody – the club, the relationships, the system. But obviously I think he’s gained the confidence and respect of everybody with the way he handled certain situations and with the way he’s performing.”

The Spaniard was delighted with the team’s performance in the second half as the hosts dominated the proceedings.

“The first half we were really good, really aggressive, really intense, with a lot of purpose to attack,” said Arteta. “Probably we should have scored two or three and the game would have been different.

“In the second half we were sloppy in moments and didn’t control some giveaways inside, which against this team in particular can be difficult. Then the game was a bit more open. Then Bukayo had an unbelievable action to score for 2-0 and it was a different game.

“Win in any context. You’ll have better days, or worse days. The opposition will guide you to play in a specific type of way. Today we won in a convincing way, but probably in a different way because it’s what the game requires.”

Arsenal will next face Aston Villa at the Villa Park on Saturday.