Havertz & KDB star as Arsenal, Man City keep up title momentum - hits & misses

The Arsenal defence is rightly earning plenty of plaudits but Kai Havertz has been quietly playing himself into a starring role - and can be the missing piece in their title puzzle.

"Havertz had his best game in an Arsenal shirt," purred Sky Sports' Alan Smith after the forward's goal and assist against Brighton.

It was Havertz's ninth Premier League strike of the season and his fourth since being moved up front in February. He created four chances, the most of any player on the pitch.

"He looks so at home in that role he has been asked to play," added Smith while boss Mikel Arteta also lauded Havertz's performance.

"Havertz was tremendous again today. His overall performance has been superb and now his goal contribution is higher than anyone else in the league in the last few months," he said.

"His work-rate too - he was chasing back 70 metres here. This heart and this determination, that's why everybody loves him."

The 24-year-old's clever movement and craft in possession - different to the chaos of Gabriel Jesus - has made Arsenal's attack click.
David Richardson

Goals for Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland and an afternoon off for Phil Foden after his hat-trick against Aston Villa on Wednesday. Man City's performance in the 4-2 win at Crystal Palace was far from faultless but there are positive signs from their key players as they go into their huge Tuesday night Champions League quarter-final first leg away to Real Madrid.

The priority on Saturday lunchtime was to maintain their Premier League title push but Foden's absence - following De Bruyne and Haaland being unused against Villa - was a further indication of how Pep Guardiola is managing the load of his players right now to battle across different competitions. Expect