"Rare to see a young player like this perform every week" - Kai Havertz hails 'unbelievable' Arsenal teammate after Wolves win
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz labeled teammate Bukayo Saka "unbelievable" for his performance in their 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, August 17. Goals from Havertz and Saka helped the north London club start the new campaign with a thumping win.
The Englishman looked dangerous for much of the 90-minute clash. He cut in from the right and his pinpoint cross into the box allowed the German to slot one home in the 25th minute.
The 22-year-old then managed to put his name on the scoresheet after scoring a left-footed screamer in the 74th minute. Despite a few defensive hiccups, David Raya seemed impenetrable as the Gunners managed their first clean sheet of the competition.
Here's what the 25-year-old said about Saka (via BBC):
"We can be happy but there was some room to improve. The first 20 minutes were good. We had good chances. We then lost a bit of control of the game and our press didn’t work. Always 100% we defended deep very well. We didn’t give them a lot of chances and it is three points.
"Saka is unbelievable. There are not a lot of players like him on the planet and he is still so young. He can get better. It is very rare to see a young player like this perform every week at the highest level."
Mikel Arteta's decision to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea last summer was heavily criticised after the German failed to hit the ground running last season. However, he found his rhythm in the latter half of last season and scored 14 goals across 51 appearances across all formats.
Arsenal will next take on Aston Villa at Villa Park on next Saturday, August 24.
Arsenal to reportedly not offer a new contract to Thomas Partey
The Ghana international joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid but his stint with the English side has been plagued with injuries. Thomas Partey had an evening to forget on Saturday against Wolves due to his lackluster performance. He completed 33/37 passes, won 6/10 duels, made four key passes, lost possession six times and made three fouls.
According to a report by Football Transfers, Mikel Arteta is keen on moving the midfielder on and bringing in midfield reinforcements. Hence, Partey won't be offered a new contract after his current one expires in the summer of 2025.
Arsenal are linked with Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino. Reports suggest that Arteta would be going forward with the likes Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Merino should the transfer take place as planned.