How Mikel Arteta’s tactical genius turned Kai Havertz into Arsenal’s most important player

KAI HAVERTZ was the star of the show as Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table with a rout of a lacklustre Chelsea.

The Gunners ran out 5-0 winners over their London rivals on Tuesday night thanks to a Leandro Trossard strike and braces from Ben White and Havertz.

Havertz endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea but has now well and truly found his feet.

The German's second-half strikes against his former club took his tally to season to 12 goals in 47 appearances, a haul which seemed unfathomable just a few months ago.

But the 24-year-old has provided much more than goals in recent months.

Mikel Arteta initially deployed Havertz on the left of his midfield three but he struggled to make any sort of impact.

But now that he's leading the line, he's flourished and has played a big part in the glut of goals the Gunners are scoring.

The North Londoners have found the back of the net a whopping 26 TIMES since Havertz became the focal point two months ago.

And the way things are going, they'll add plenty more goals to that impressive haul.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER

Havertz isn't just shining with his goalscoring exploits, he's also helping his team-mates find the back of the net.

His hold-up play and ability to drop deep has allowed the likes of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice to get in on the goalscoring act.

The German's knack for finding space to receive the ball and creating openings for his comrades has paid major dividends for Arteta, who was lambasted for splashing out £65million to acquire his services.

Arsenal have become masters in winning the ball back in transitions and turning those positions into goalscoring opportunities this season.

And that's