Kai Havertz praised Arsenal’s resilience after his decisive goal secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final, marking a timely response to recent घरेलestic setbacks.
The German forward came off the bench to net the winner, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a narrow advantage ahead of the second leg in London next week.
Arsenal entered the tie under pressure following consecutive defeats in the FA Cup and League Cup, but Havertz believes the performance showed the squad’s character.
“Definitely a big turnaround for us because we lost the last two matches,” Havertz told Amazon Prime. “So we wanted to get a turnaround today and we made that happen.”
The result keeps Arsenal firmly on track in Europe after their hopes of a domestic treble were dashed by defeat to Manchester City in the League Cup final and a shock FA Cup exit to Championship side Southampton.
Despite those setbacks, Havertz insists Arsenal remain fully focused on ending the season with silverware.
“We stick together as a group, we have so much more to come this season,” he said. “Seven weeks to go, we can win big titles, and we're going to go for that.”
While Havertz grabbed the headlines, goalkeeper David Raya delivered a standout performance, making several key saves to preserve Arsenal’s lead.
The German international was quick to recognise the Spaniard’s influence:
“For me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world,” Havertz added. “He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times, and we’re very glad to have him.”
Arsenal, currently top of the Premier League table with 70 points, return to domestic action on Saturday when they host Bournemouth.
With momentum regained in Europe, the Gunners will look to carry that form into the final stretch of the season.
