Kai Havertz states Arsenal is prepared to secure major trophies.
Kai Havertz stated that Arsenal “can secure major titles” after taking control of their Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting CP on Tuesday.
Havertz, who came off the bench, netted a stoppage-time winner to clinch a 1-0 victory in Lisbon, a match in which the Gunners addressed recent doubts regarding their resilience following defeats in domestic cup competitions.
Speculation about a four-trophy season was put to rest as Arsenal lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final last week and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Championship team Southampton on Saturday.
However, the win in Lisbon ensured that Mikel Arteta’s squad continued their unbeaten streak in Europe this season and remained on track to reach the Champions League semifinals for the second year in a row.
With a nine-point advantage at the top of the Premier League, Havertz remarked: “It is a significant turnaround for us because we lost the last two matches. We aimed for a turnaround today, and we achieved that.”
“We remain united as a group, and there is much more to come this season. With seven weeks remaining, we can secure major titles, and we will strive for that.”
Arteta commended his team for regaining their “identity” after a challenging period following the last-minute victory against a formidable Sporting side.
“The expectations since August have been to win consistently, and if you don’t win, it’s seen as a disaster, and if you don’t secure four trophies, what are we doing?” Arteta questioned. “That is understandable, but they need some perspective, particularly from my end, a significant reminder of who we are as a team and the factors that have led us to this point. Embrace the present, give your best, and letβs see what unfolds.”
Havertz highlighted the outstanding performance of goalkeeper David Raya after the match, as the Spaniard made numerous saves to keep the score level before the Germany international scored the crucial goal.
In the closing moments, Raya denied a goal-bound header from Geny Catamo and then executed a double save to thwart both Catamo and Luis Suarez.
“For me, over the last two seasons, he has been the best goalkeeper in the world. He has rescued us on numerous occasions,” Havertz stated.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
