Mikel Arteta reveals why Kai Havertz has improved for Arsenal

Jacque Talbot

• 17 Dec 2023 14:30 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted that Kai Havertz is 'growing confidence' and this is why his form has been a lot better recently.

The Gunners signed the German international over the summer from Chelsea for £65million, but he initially struggled to find his feet.

Indeed, in the early stages of the season, Havertz was criticised for missing chances and playing below par in general.

But now Havertz is playing a lot better than before - having scored four goals in his last seven matches.

Speaking in a press conference after another goal in a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday, Arteta spoke about just why the player has improved so much.

"His confidence is growing and he feels more secure on the field. The fact he’s scored one helped to score the second one. It’s four in seven games now and he should have scored a header today as well in a really good position," said Arteta.

Kai Havertz has been in excellent form since the November international break 👀

Is he beginning to justify his €75m price tag? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/tD0SwSOST9

— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) December 17, 2023

"But overall, his performances, the intelligence he shows on the pitch, the aggression, how he works defensively, it’s top. Really good."

Speaking about the win itself, the Spaniard was full of praise for his men. "Outstanding, incredible. Big compliment to the team and to the players. I think we had an incredible performance against a top team.

"I think we fully deserved to win the game. I have to praise them because I know how difficult it is and what Brighton do to teams. We didn’t allow that to happen, so I’m super happy."