Kai Havertz and Viktor Gökeres were both on the scoresheet as Arsenal ended a perfect phase in the Champions League with a 3-2 victory over bottom club Kairat Almaty.
Mikel Arteta, who needed one more point against the Kazakhstan minnows to seal their place at the top of the table, made 11 changes to his Gunners squad, with Havertz making Arsenal’s first competitive start in 358 days.
The German took just two minutes to make his presence known, supplying the crucial pass for Gokeres’ shot in the second minute opener. However, Arsenal were stunned immediately after kick-off.
Kairat forward Jorginho played a long ball forward and was stopped by Riccardo Calafioli, who also returned from injury. VAR sent referee Urs Schneider to the monitor and the spot-kick was awarded, after which Jorginho fired past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, Arsenal returned to the front and Havertz cut inside with his left foot on the turn and found the back of the net.
Arsenal could have extended their lead further, but Gokeres missed two big chances, including a shot from under the crossbar.
But sooner or later the lead would be three points, and Havertz was on his mark again, slipping into space in the area and crossing to Gökeres, whose shot was once again saved on the goal line by Gabriel Martinelli. VAR checked Havertz and Marnelli for offside, but after a long check the goal was awarded.
Gabriel Martinelli celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s third goal
Arsenal managed their time by substituting Havertz and Calafioli at half-time and got through the second half smoothly. Martin Odegaard had two headers saved, but there were positive elements as academy players Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Brahima made their Arsenal first-team debuts as 17-year-olds.
Gabriel Jesus’ late fourth goal was quickly ruled out for offside, semi-automatically, and Kairat forward Ricardinho was belatedly consoled.
But it was almost a perfect night for Arsenal, who face Borussia Dortmund, Olympiakos, Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.
Arteta praises Havertz – so should he start against Leeds?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta:
“I think the quality he showed, the way he connected with the team, the goal he scored and the assist he got in the first half was a really positive performance.
“Certainly he wanted to continue playing today, so we know what’s going to happen tomorrow.
“That was our plan. For 45 minutes we also wanted to start him and allow him to go through the whole process in the best possible way before that. From now on we will have to decide whether he will start in these competitions or not.”
“Kai is a player who gives us versatility and threat from different positions because he is a unique player in the areas he can occupy and the way he interacts with other players.
“And he’s a player who understands the league very well and what we want to do, and he deals well with pressure and different demands, and he’s a player that will be really important in the second half of the season.”
Analysis: Havertz reminds us of his quality – so is Odegaard under threat?
Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz at Emirates Stadium:
In the last two Premier League games, Martin Odegaard was caught just before the hour mark as Arsenal needed a goal in both games.
With Eberechi Eze waiting in the wings, the Arsenal captain’s position as the Gunners’ creative fulcrum was already under threat. Now, a new name has joined the race. Kai Havertz appears.
The German started in Odegaard’s attacking midfield role and was the best player in the first half until he was sent off. With three big chances, two of which resulted in goals, and a goal himself, the German showed what he can achieve in less than an hour on the pitch.
Havertz can bring a physical presence up front that few can. Viktor Gökeres is probably the other Swedish forward, who had 15 touches inside the opposition box in the first half, and really benefited from having Havertz in the attack.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Havertz starts against Leeds,” said Chris Boyd. After waiting 358 days to start for Arsenal, Havertz’s next chance could even come on Saturday.
Eze must not be forgotten either. Not only did Eze create more chances (six) than any other player, he also recovered the ball 12 times, showing how he can bring defensive balance to attacking talent.
Mikel Arteta has been a regular supporter of Odegaard, who this week celebrated his fifth anniversary as an Arsenal player. But how long can he stay by his husband’s side when other options are knocking at the door?
When is the playoff draw for the knockout phase?
The draw for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs will take place on Friday at 11am UK time.
When is the drawing for the top 16?
The draw for the round of 16, quarterfinals and semifinals will be held on February 27th.
When is the knockout stage?
Knockout Playoffs: February 17-18 and 24-25
Round 16: March 10-11 and 17-18
Quarterfinals: April 7th-8th, 14th-15th
Semi-finals: April 28-29, May 5-6
Final: May 30th (Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary)
