Mikel Arteta thinks Kai Havertz is benefitting from feeling the love at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz is benefitting from feeling the love at Arsenal and has challenged the forward to maintain his red-hot recent form.

Germany international Havertz endured a slow start to his Gunners career following a £65million summer switch from Chelsea but has registered five goals and four assists in his last seven Premier League outings.

The 24-year-old was instrumental in his title-chasing side’s 3-0 win at Brighton on Saturday, doubling their lead following Bukayo Saka’s first-half penalty before setting up Leandro Trossard to complete the scoring.

Introducing your POTM for yesterday's win at Brighton…

An all-action display from our Kai  pic.twitter.com/jBUSZiFNtJ

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 7, 2024

Arsenal are in a three-way tussle for the title with Liverpool and Manchester City and manager Arteta knows Havertz is central to their chances of ending the club’s 20-year wait to be champions.

“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.

Kai Havertz scored Arsenal

“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 managed only one goal and one assist in his first 19 Arsenal appearances in all competitions, prompting doubts about the decision to sign him.

He now has nine league goals in 23 starts this season, in addition to five assists, and is