Arsenal Player of the Match was ill before Spurs clash | OneFootball

Kai Havertz was ill ahead of Arsenal’s game against Tottenham Hotspur, but he went on to put in a starring performance in the away win.

Arsenal’s German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz (rear C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team third goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on April 28, 2024. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Kai Havertz continued his excellent recent form on Sunday with a goal and an assist against Tottenham Hotspur, helping Arsenal to a 3-2 win.

Havertz’s long ball assist to Bukayo Saka was excellent, and his towering headed goal gave Spurs a mountain to climb in the second half.

The 24-year-old was named in various Teams of the Week afterwards, earning plenty of praise from neutrals, as well as the highest Fotmob rating (8.8) for the match, so it was probably a surprise to learn that the German international was struggling before the game.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz (L) celebrates with Declan Rice (R) after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 23, 2024. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

“He wasn’t 100 per cent today, he was ill before the match and was struggling a bit but he still put in the performance that he put in,” Mikel Arteta revealed after the match.

“I thought he was unbelievable today. He was sensational in every department.”

As well as his goal and assist, Havertz was particularly effective in the air, winning eight of his 10 aerial duels up against Spurs’ centre-backs.

That helped Arsenal to add some variety to their play, with the team able to go short or long depending on the situation.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 23, 2024. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Since Havertz’s goal against Burnley in mid-February, it’s hard to deny he’s hit a new level. He’s scored eight goals and assisted five in 11 matches, and the team have won every game in which he’s contributed to a goal.

Havertz will now finally get a chance to rest for a few days, with Arsenal next in action against Bournemouth on Saturday.