Arsenal recorded an impressive 4-0 victory away at AFC Bournemouth yesterday, in a game which saw Kai Havertz open his account for the club.

Havertz was given the chance to take a penalty ahead of regular takers Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, in a moment which has drawn both praise and criticism.

Saka had scored earlier in the game, with Odegaard also converting from an earlier spot kick, but Havertz was allowed to end his goal drought early on in the second half, and converted his effort well.

Arteta unaware of players’ decision

Speaking after the game, manager Mikel Arteta admitted that he did not know about the decision to offer the penalty to Havertz, but has praised his players for the team spirit they showed during the game.

“That’s the beauty of it, they take initiative and they take the leadership to make those calls,” he stated.

“I haven’t asked them, I imagine Bukayo has to take it so first of all he gives it to Martin and then he gave it to Kai, it doesn’t really matter, the beauty is in the gesture and the fact that the players can make those steps and decisions.”

Team spirit

Yesterday’s moment was reminiscent of when former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave Alexandre Lacazette a penalty to boost his confidence, despite Aubameyang being on a hattrick.

Lacazette went on to score twice in the next game, having ended a goal drought with his penalty, and perhaps Havertz may have a similar confidence boost.

Saka allowing Odegaard and Havertz to take the penalties deprived him of a potential hattrick, and this showed his unwavering commitment to the team, prioritising a confidence boost for Havertz over his own personal statistics.

It is clear that there is great harmony within the Arsenal squad right now, and Havertz opening his account was the icing on the cake in an otherwise excellent victory.

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