‘Something has changed in him’ – Mikel Arteta sends out Kai Havertz warning after Arsenal star scores again in Southampton win

WHAT HAPPENED?

Havertz scored his fourth Premier League goal of the season – and sixth in all competitions – as the Gunners maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a 3-1 victory against Southampton. After Cameron Archer’s shock opener put Arsenal behind, the German international levelled the score in the 58th minute with a clinical finish from Bukayo Saka’s pass, sparking the comeback.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Havertz that we’re seeing at Emirates Stadium is completely different to the one who couldn’t quite find himself at Chelsea. He recorded his highest tally in the English top flight last season and is going some way to dispelling the idea that Arsenal need a better number nine in order to win the title.
Arsenal FC v Brighton & Hove Albion FC – Premier League
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WHAT ARTETA SAID
“You can tell [his confidence has grown], he takes the ball and he runs with the ball,” Arteta said after the Saints win. “He’s on high press, he goes full gas, the way he holds the ball, the position he takes in the box. He’s an attacking midfielder, he plays as a nine, you don’t know where he is, that’s his football brain. His focus now is ‘I’m going to win the game, I’m going to do it’ and that’s a different thing.
“When he’s practising, he wants more and he’s not satisfied with what he’s doing because there is still, I think, another level from him. Obviously, he’s surrounded by incredible players but something has changed in him and that confidence, you really sense it and now he’s putting it into games and he’s winning football matches which is great.”
DID YOU KNOW?
The 25-year-old has now scored in seven games in a row at Emirates Stadium, matching Robin van Persie’s record from the 2011-12 campaign.
Germany v Hungary – UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A3
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WHAT NEXT FOR HAVERTZ?
Havertz has been included in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for their Nations League games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands on October 11 and 14 respectively.

Ex-Arsenal star claims Gunners transfer ‘should have happened earlier’

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 6: Theo Walcott looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on April 6, 2024 in Brighton, England.(Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Ex-Arsenal star Theo Walcott believes that Eddie Nketiah should’ve left the club sooner for his own sake.

Nketiah, 25, signed for fellow London side Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day in August for £30million, having decided to leave the Gunners after more than a decade with them. The former England youth international was largely a backup striker under Mikel Arteta, starting most games on the bench and being used as an impact substitute.

When Gabriel Jesus was signed from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, it was clear that Arteta wanted someone else to lead the line. That same summer, though, Nketiah was handed a new long-term contract and handed the club’s iconic No.14 shirt, once worn by club legend Thierry Henry and later Walcott.

On Saturday, Nketiah lined up to face Liverpool as Palace suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat on home soil. During BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of the game, Walcott gave his verdict on the 25-year-old’s Arsenal exit.

“It was a move that probably should have happened earlier,” the ex-Gunners winger admitted. “It is a move which can go well and Palace is a good football club. In time he will be a good signing for Palace.”

Although Nketiah tried his best to make the No.9 role his own at Arsenal, he ultimately decided to leave this summer. “It was about me being happy,” he told the Independent this week.

“I wasn’t unhappy – there were things I loved about the club, I’d been at Arsenal all my life – but at the end of the day, a football player wants to play football. Obviously only 11 can play and you have to respect the manager’s decision. But there comes a point when you have to think about your personal development.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Eddie Nketiah of Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on October 05, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Eddie Nketiah is embarking on a new journey with Crystal Palace (

Image:

Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Following Nketiah’s move to Palace, Arteta remarked: “We are so grateful to Eddie for his performances with us. He is a player who has developed well through our academy and now he takes this opportunity with Crystal Palace. Eddie is a top professional, loved by everyone at the club, who wanted and needed to play more minutes. We wish Eddie well as he moves onto his next challenge.”

Arsenal sporting director Edu added: “Eddie has had a great journey from our Academy into our first team, and we send him our thanks and best wishes as he moves to Crystal Palace. It is important for Eddie to be playing regular first-team football and we are happy we have concluded a very positive transfer deal for his move. Eddie has a lot of friends here after many years at the club and we wish him good luck in his next step.”

 

Arsenal’s Arteta reveals conversation with Southampton’s Ramsdale

ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta wished Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and manager Russell Martin “all the best” following their 3-1 defeat on Saturday.

Goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka ensured the Gunners came back from behind to secure all three points against a winless Saints.

Cameron Archer had put Martin’s side ahead, prompting jubilant scenes in the away end, having come on in the first half for the injured Ross Stewart.

Martin admitted he was proud of his players but was left frustrated by the manner of goals they conceded after taking the lead.

The result kept Arsenal on pace with Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race while Saints remain 19th.

Their search for a first Premier League win continues, however, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Ipswich are also without a win – Leicester got their maiden three points against AFC Bournemouth.

Speaking at the Emirates, Arteta said: “I wished him (Ramsdale) all the best. I congratulated him for the way Southampton played.

“I wish him the best. I hope they do well, especially for Aaron and the manager as well because they are a very good side.”

 

Five things we learned from Arsenal 3-1 Southampton as Mikel Arteta will regret one Gabriel Jesus decision

Arsenal hosted Southampton at the Emirates Stadium for a Premier League clash this afternoon.

Arsenal beat Southampton 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side were utterly dominant in the first half in terms of possession and territory, but could not find a way through the Saints’ dogged defensive effort.

The visitors then took the lead against the run of play after the break, before Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all scored a goal each to secure the three points.

 

Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring the team's third goal with Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder #11 Gabriel Martinelli du...
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

Jorginho is looking his age

Handed just his second Premier League start of the season so far, Jorginho was typically tidy in possession and helped to keep the Gunners on the ball. However, the 32-year-old midfield veteran’s lack of pace was exposed at times when Southampton sought to counter-attack.

He was replaced by Mikel Merino on the hour mark who came on to make his Premier League debut after the pace of the game ticked up a notch.

Arsenal fans still love Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale was a popular figure throughout his time at Arsenal but left in the most recent summer transfer window having lost his starting berth to David Raya last season. The manager’s decision to change his No. 1 has since been justified though, as Raya has been in spectacular form this season.

However, the returning shot-stopper was still given a warm welcome upon his return to North London. Ramsdale was reduced to tears by the reception he received from the Emirates Stadium faithful this afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s patience with Gabriel Jesus tested

Gabriel Jesus has been in poor form recently and is currently enduring a lengthy barren run in front of goal. Meanwhile, Havertz is flying for the Gunners and is now firmly established as Arteta’s first choice to lead the line.

This was another difficult afternoon for the Brazilian, as he once again failed to find the back of the net and his decision-making was poor at times. Jesus talked Arteta into keeping him at the club this summer and the manager may now be regretting that decision.

Bukayo Saka is a demanding leader

One such poor Jesus decision was seen in the first half, when the forward had the opportunity to play Saka through on goal but neglected to play the pass. Saka was spotted reacting angrily to this, clearly demanding better from Jesus.

Saka has regularly captained Arsenal in usual skipper Martin Odegaard’s injury enforced absence. Whilst the Norwegian playmaker will reclaim the armband upon his return to action, Saka is now established as a leader within the squad.

Gabriel Martinelli showing signs of new life

Martinelli came on from the bench to grab the winning goal against the Saints. After having struggled to provide end product for so long, the Brazilian has now scored in back to back Premier League games.

Martinelli has benefitted from Odegaard’s injury, as Arsenal have had to change the way they play to accommodate for the midfielder’s absence. Arteta will be keen to see Martinelli maintain his improved form upon the captain’s return.

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Raheem Sterling in action for Arsenal
Raheem Sterling was deemed to have been fairly dispossessed in the lead up to Southampton’s goal against Arsenal (Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))

Southampton’s shock opening goal against Arsenal arrived in very controversial circumstances with Raheem Sterling at the centre of it on his first Premier League start.

The Gunners had dominated the whole first half, which included earning eight corners, but they failed to trouble Aaron Ramsdale on his return to Emirates Stadium with Mikel Arteta perhaps feeling the impact of making so many changes.

Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Jorginho all came into the starting XI for the clash against the Saints with injuries still plaguing Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Kai Havertz and Declan Rice were the chosen No.8’s with Mikel Merino named on the bench after making his bow earlier in the week against Paris Saint-Germain.

As a result of all the changes, Thomas Partey was deployed at right-back, like he was for the first weeks of the last campaign, with Southampton’s shock goal coming down his side.

Raheem Sterling was dispossessed in the middle of the pitch before the visitors race forward with Cameron Archer cutting inside and bending an effort into the far corner. Plenty of Arsenal stars were of the belief a foul had been committed on Sterling, just 30 seconds or so before the goal, however nothing was given.

However, Mateus Fernandes simply outpowered Sterling before setting Archer away. Thankfully for Arsenal, Kai Havertz quickly levelled with Bukayo Saka pouncing on a mistake before squaring for Havertz to equalise and score his fifth goal of the season.

 

Gabriel Martinelli, off the bench, then completely turned the game on its head as he put Arsenal into the lead with Saka again as provider. Though the Gunners will have been disappointed to concede, another three points looks to be heading in their direction.

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Gabriel Martinelli celebrates after scoring for Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to score Arsenal’s second goal against Southampton (Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))

Arsenal came from behind to beat Southampton in Premier League action at Emirates Stadium. Cameron Archer netted the opening goal against the run of play but goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka turned the game on its head.

For their equaliser, Saka was able to win possession back in the attacking third before playing Havertz through with his effort flying past Aaron Ramsdale. Saka was again the provider for the goal that turned the game on its head as his deep cross was squeezed in at the far post by Martinelli.

In the late stages, Saka capped off his excellent display as he fired home following a loose touch by Yukinari Sugawara with the win seeing Arsenal keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool. With the October international break now set to begin, Mikel Arteta has some time to work on things at London Colney while others head out to represent their respective nations.

Picking up another three points against a newly-promoted team will have been key for Arsenal as they prepare for a number challenging fixtures throughout October and November. With that said, football.london has compared the upcoming games for all three title challengers.

Arsenal

Sat 19 Oct – Bournemouth (A)

Sun 27 Oct – Liverpool (H)

Sat 2 Nov – Newcastle (A)

Sun 10 Nov – Chelsea (A)

Sat 23 Nov – Nottingham Forest (A)

Arsenal will see their Premier League title credentials tested after the October international break with three huge games on the horizon. Before that nightmare run begins, the Gunners take on Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium which will be a far from simple clash to navigate.

Following that, Liverpool are welcomed to Emirates Stadium before Arsenal are on their travels in consecutive weekends to take on Newcastle and Chelsea all before the next international break. Nottingham Forest at the City Ground comes after that with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side also no pushovers.

Man City

Sun 20 Oct – Wolves (A)

Sat 26 Oct – Southampton (H)

Sat 2 Nov – Bournemouth (A)

Sat 9 Nov – Brighton (A)

Sat 23 Nov – Tottenham (H)

The reigning Premier League champions will fancy their chances to take maximum points from their next five games. In comparison to the games awaiting Liverpool and Arsenal, City have a very favourable run-in as they prepare to face two teams without a win.

Though they have struggled recently, a clash away at Brighton will be far from straightforward and Pep Guardiola’s bogey team Tottenham also head to Etihad Stadium in November.

Liverpool

Sun 20 Oct – Chelsea (H)

Sun 27 Oct – Arsenal (A)

Sat 2 Nov – Brighton (H)

Sat 9 Nov – Aston Villa (H)

Sun 24 Nov – Southampton (A)

Liverpool’s position at the top of the Premier League table is in serious jeopardy, judging by their next few fixtures. Arne Slot’s side have been impressive so far this season, winning nine games out of a possible 10, though they meet Arsenal in late October.

Home games against Chelsea, Brighton and Aston Villa come either side of that title clash with all three teams posing a serious threat to the Reds given how they have all started the season, especially offensively.

What Kai Havertz told Thomas Partey to help Arsenal score key goal vs Southampton

Kai Havertz gives key advice ahead of scoring for Arsenal against Southampton

Arsenal managed to secure another vital three points against one of their bogey sides, Southampton on Saturday. It was by no means a simple task and the Gunners needed to come from behind to get the result.

Arsenal were frustrated throughout the first half as they peppered Aaron Ramsdale’s box with chance after chance but could not find their way through. Southampton’s surprise goal by Cameron Archer was cancelled out quickly by Kai Havertz’s strike. Gabriel Martinelli would then give the Gunners the lead after an excellent cross from Bukayo Saka, finished first time by the Brazilian. Saka would then add a third to help secure the points.

With it being a 3pm UK afternoon kick-off, the embargo was of course in place limiting those of whom were able to watch the proceedings. Thankfully, football.london were in attendance to not only describe the action but for those able to catch the television pictures on offer, we managed to spot all the happenings that the cameras missed.

Never seen that before

The benefit of being in the ground is you seen things that only those also with you can spot. Specifically, this can be before kick-off during warm-ups and Aaron Ramsdale naturally got a lot of the focus, clapping the home fans before heading toward his own supporters.

But it was a moment before this which caught my attention instead regarding Southampton head coach Russell Martin. Five minutes before the kick-off, the Saints boss ran out, all the way across the pitch to the away supporters to clap them and encourage their support – not something I can say I have ever seen.

Kai Havertz wanting more from Partey

It was indeed a frustrating opening 45 minutes for Arsenal. After a blistering start and a spate of chances, Southampton rode out the storm and won the war of attrition. Continuing to block shots throughout the first period with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

With Ramsdale down receiving treatment after a collision with Raheem Sterling, Havertz was spotted pulling Thomas Partey for a chat. Seen indicating that he wanted some lower-driven whipped passes across the face to get on to, perhaps a hint that the aerial bombardment simply was not doing the business for the former Chelsea man – his goal would indeed come from a low quick pass into him from the right by Saka.

Arteta shouts at Partey

Early in the second half, it seemed that the angst of the chances that failed to fall the Gunners’ way had taken enough of a mental toll that early mistakes had reached the stage of provoking a reaction from the manager. Partey, in the unorthodox right-back role, passed the ball straight into the feet of Mateus Fernandes.

Luckily the ball rebounded gratefully back into the Ghanaian’s possession to lay it off for David Raya. Spinning attention to Mikel Arteta on the sideline, arms were aloft in frustration as the Spaniard then shouted across the field to his midfielder who responded well and wouldn’t make an error for the remainder of the clash before he was replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu.

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Arsenal Southampton 2024-25 Bukayo Saka

The Gunners fought back from a goal behind to claim all three points in the Premier League once again

Bukayo Saka scored one and set up the other two as Arsenal survived a scare against lowly Southampton, fighting back from a goal behind to claim a 3-1 win and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

Despite a fast start, Arsenal were unable to break the vistors down in the first half and a shock looked on the cards early in the second when Cameron Archer fired the away side in front.

But Kai Havertz levelled things up quickly, thumping in an excellent finish which saw him equal Robin van Persie’s record of scoring in seven successive games at Emirates Stadium.

Saka, who set up the German for the equaliser, then produced a wonderful cross for substitute Gabriel Martinelli to volley in at the back post on 68 minutes.

And the England international put the gloss on another wonderful performance late on when he fizzed a low finish beyond Aaron Ramsdale to seal all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side.

GOAL rates Arsenal’s players from Emirates Stadium…

Article continues below

    • Goalkeeper & Defence

      David Raya (6/10):

      Could do nothing about the goal. Didn’t have much else to do in terms of shots on target.

      Thomas Partey (7/10):

      Asked to fill in at right-back and did nothing wrong. Moved the ball well and was always involved. Had one shot deflected just wide in the second half.

      William Saliba (6/10):

      Could have maybe closed down Archer a bit quicker to stop him getting the shot away for his goal.

      Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):

      Didn’t have much to do defensively, but what he had to do he did well. The powerful Onuachu gave him something to think about late on.

      Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):

      A typical all action display from the Italian, who was popping up all over the pitch. Beaten a couple of times defensively though.

      Midfield

      Jorginho (6/10):

      Played one lovely pass to create a chance for Havertz. Looked as likely as anyone to cut the Southampton defence open in the first half.

      Declan Rice (7/10):

      Made some good runs into the box to try and get behind the packed Southampton defence. Didn’t stop running right up to the final seconds.

      Kai Havertz (8/10):

      Floated all round the pitch and Southampton struggled to pick him up at times. Linked up well with Saka. His superb finish in the second half sparked Arsenal’s fightback. Excellent again.

  • Attack

    Bukayo Saka (9/10):

    Two more assists, the second of which for Martinelli was superb. Then scored the third himself. So consistent. Just always delivers.

    Gabriel Jesus (5/10):

    Handed a rare start in the Premier League but struggled to impress. Looks a player desperately searching for form and confidence.

    Raheem Sterling (5/10):

    Close to breaking the deadlock with a curled effort that was blocked late on in the first half. Other than that he just couldn’t get into the game. Replaced in the second half.

  • Subs & Manager

    Gabriel Martinelli (8/10):

    Great finish at the back post to make it 2-1 and make it back to back goals in the Premier League. Injected real energy when it was needed.

    Leandro Trossard (7/10):

    Immediately added some extra quality to the attack with his touch and movement.

    Mikel Merino (6/10):

    Decent run out from the Spaniard as he looks to get up to full match fitness.

    Takehiro Tomiyasu (N/A):

    On for the last few minutes.

    Jakub Kiwior (N/A):

    On for the final seconds.

    Mikel Arteta (6/10):

    Made some unexpected changes to the lineup in attack and it didn’t really work. Did make three relatively early changes in the second half that helped turned things round.

White, Timber, Odegaard – Arsenal injury news and return dates vs Southampton

Arsenal will be aiming for a fourth straight victory this afternoon as they welcome Southampton to Emirates Stadium for a Premier League clash. The Gunners have beaten Bolton, Leicester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the last few weeks on home soil after two successive draws.

Dropped points against Manchester City and Brighton see Arsenal behind Liverpool in the Premier League table with six games played. Considering their first few fixtures alongside the injury and suspension issues Mikel Arteta has had to contend with, Arsenal are in an excellent position.

Ben White and Martin Odegaard are the marquee absentees with Jurrien Timber as a major doubt for Saturday’s clash after being subbed off in the 2-0 win against PSG. With the October international break on the horizon, Arteta will be hoping his injured stars can recover but some of those may even be fit enough to feature against the Saints.

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Arsenal take on Southampton in the Premier League looking to end this section of the season before the second international break of the campaign in the perfect way. The Gunners remain unbeaten and have now secured a big European scalp after their comfortable 2-0 victory over PSG a few days ago.

Southampton meanwhile arrive with a former player and a whole bunch of narratives in tow. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to make his first appearance against his former club and will be looking to keep his first clean sheet of the season having conceded ten goals in four matches.

This certainly bodes well for the Gunners who have relied on David Raya to start the season in perhaps the best form of his career which could even have pushed him into the number one spot for Spain too. Arteta needs to get the line-up right to get the points while taking an opportunity that presents itself to rotate.