Kai Havertz needs 15 minutes to prove Mikel Arteta right over Arsenal decision

Arsenal star Kai Havertz was exceptional in the opening period of their Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty

Kai Havertz took just 15 minutes to show his quality to Mikel Arteta with a superb goal in the Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty. The Germany international was deployed in midfield and firing in superbly with his left foot to put the Gunners back in front with two assists also arriving in the first half.

Viktor Gyokeres had earlier put Arsenal in front, with Havertz providing the pass, however Jorginho equalised from the penalty spot for the visitors. Just moments later, Havertz took further advantage of his opportunity as he skipped past several challenges before firing into the back of the net.

The 26-year-old then played a huge role in a flowing move with his cross to the back post turned home by Gabriel Martinelli. In just one half of football, it was three goal contributions for Havertz.

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Arteta spoke about the Germany international in a press conference ahead of the game, with minutes hard to come by despite his return to the fold in FA Cup action against Portsmouth.

He said: “I’m sure in the next few weeks he’s going to play minutes. I cannot tell you in which competitions because that will depend as well on the game context and a context that is positive to throw him in or not, with his qualities.

“It’s great that we have him, we can use him in different positions and will see him in different positions. We are really happy to have him.”

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Havertz played the final eight minutes of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea before remaining an unused substitute against Inter and Nottingham Forest.

Having scored and assisted after just 15 minutes, with another of the latter coming just before the interval, Havertz has proven Arteta made the right call by starting him.

Gabriel Jesus has somewhat prevented Arteta from deploying Havertz with his form as the understudy to Gyokeres. He netted a brace against Inter in Europe before then starting the defeat to United.

However, Havertz has a real chance of getting more minutes in midfield with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze struggling to make big impacts in that role.

It seems more likely that Havertz will actually be competing for a spot in the midfield three up against Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.

The latter has been exceptional this season but with so many fixtures on the horizon it is likely he will be rested which will give Havertz the chance to play more frequently, if Arteta does deploy him in midfield.

Over the next few weeks, Arteta’s side take on Leeds United, Brentford and Tottenham. There is also a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea and an FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic.