Arsenal head into the Champions League knockout stages in superb form following their 5-0 win against Burnley. The Gunners have been focused firmly on the Premier League over the last few months after topping their group which saw a favourable last-16 tie against Porto scheduled for February.
The first leg of that tie is now just a few days away and Arsenal are clearly firm favourites to advance into the quarter-finals. Prior to the thumping win at Turf Moor, Mikel Arteta's side went one better with a 6-0 victory over West Ham. Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool have also all been bettered by the Gunners in 2024.
Bukayo Saka returning to form in front of goal has certainly come alongside Arsenal's return to form with Martin Odegaard also appearing back at his best. Defensively, the Gunners have also been superb with just two goals conceded in five games and only two shots on target allowed in the last three.
One player who has been a constant in those wins but perhaps not receiving much praise is Kai Havertz. The Germany international has played in a variety of positions over the last few weeks and got his just reward on Saturday with the final goal of the afternoon.
Havertz has become a regular starter under Arteta and that will likely continue for the upcoming European clash, especially given his history in Portugal.
“For me, it’s always going to be a nice memory and I’m looking forward to going there [Estadio do Dragao] again," Havertz admitted to Arsenal's official website when asked about his winning goal in the Champions League final for Chelsea. “I have good memories there, things are always going to be hard there but I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully we’re going to win the game.
Mikel Arteta
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