"He was finding clever movements to go to the right place" - Rafa Benitez hails Arsenal star after their 2-0 win over PSG
Former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez was full of praise for Arsenal forward Kai Havertz following the Gunners' 2-0 Champions League win over PSG. Mikel Arteta's side picked up their first win of the season in Europe in front of their fans at the Emirates on Tuesday, October 1.
Havertz was on the scoresheet for the Gunners, ghosting into the box to head the ball into the back of the net in the 20th minute. The versatile attacker continues to impress for Arsenal, scoring for a second successive game at the Emirates.
Spanish manager Rafa Benitez has been out of a job since parting ways with Celta Vigo earlier this year, and he spoke to UEFA about Havertz's performance. He stated that the Germany international displayed quality movement on and off the ball to coordinate his side's attacks.
“When Arsenal were building attacks, he was finding clever movements to go to the right place to have a chance to finish. He’s not a striker that will stay in the box but, after that, he still tries to get into the box to finish, which is what you have to do as a striker,” Benitez said (via TBR Football).
Kai Havertz is in his second season with the Gunners and has established himself as the first-choice option to lead the line for them. Still only 25, the versatile forward has scored five times in nine appearances to start the 2024-25 season. In addition to his goals, the former Chelsea man brings great balance to Mikel Arteta's side.
Havertz contributed to his side's clean sheet with 11 duels won, eight defensive actions and four recoveries for his side. The well-rounded attacker also won two tackles and was fouled twice during the game.
Havertz, Saka on target in Arsenal win over PSG
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka were the goalscorers as Arsenal claimed a comfortable 2-0 win over French champions PSG in the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners picked up their first win of the season in the competition and a second clean sheet.
German forward Havertz opened the scoring for his side in the 20th minute as he timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from Leandro Trossard. He got to the ball ahead of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, heading into an unguarded net.
Saka captained the Gunners on the day and got his goal ten minutes before the half-time whistle. The England international took a free-kick from a wide right position which missed everyone, including Donnarumma, to nestle into the back of the net.