Mikel Arteta sets Kai Havertz challenge as Arsenal title race mission becomes clearer

Mikel Arteta is full of praise for Kai Havertz's recent surge in form at Arsenal, attributing it to the positive environment and support he's receiving. The German international, who made a £65million move from Chelsea over the summer, has been on fire with five goals and four assists in his last seven Premier League games.

Havertz played a key role in Arsenal's convincing 3-0 victory over Brighton on Saturday, scoring and assisting in the match. With Arsenal locked in a tight title race alongside Liverpool and Manchester City, Arteta acknowledges Havertz's crucial role in their quest to clinch their first league title in 20 years.

“He’s certainly having a huge impact on the team,” said Arteta. “I think his overall performances have been really good and now his numbers in terms of goal contributions, are really, really high. He needs to maintain that level.

“He’s got some fantastic players around him. We have tried to create the right environment for him, which I think is very important for any player. We have given him confidence, hopefully we’ve given the love that he needs. He has the appreciation from the rest of the players and the staff at the club and now our supporters for sure.”

Havertz's slow start at Arsenal, with just one goal and one assist in his initial 19 appearances across all competitions, raised eyebrows over the club's decision to bring him on board. However, the tide has turned for the German international, who now boasts nine league goals from 23 starts this season, along with five assists, as he excels in the central striker role.

“A lot of the time players decide where they have to play, and we can have certain ideas, but then you see certain relationships and some things flow,” said Arteta. “And when