If there was ever a 90-minute performance that perfectly illustrated why data-driven algorithms and mere ”eye tests” fail to capture the true essence of elite forward play, it was Kai Havertz’s performance in Arsenal’s 2–1 comeback victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
Havertz produced an inspired performance, scoring his fourth goal in seven appearances to keep his good run of form from the end of last season after months of battling injuries.
The German has often been a polarising figure amongst the Arsenal fanbase due to his inconsistency in front of the goal, and the seemingly indolent demeanor he tends to portrait during games. He can be frustrating, giving the fans fuel to harshly criticise him.
But his uncredited, non-touch dummy for Martin Odegaard’s winning goal during the game against Chelsea proved why he remains one of the most misunderstood forwards in world football.
How Havertz’s Impact Led to Arsenal’s Win over Chelsea
In modern football coverage, every on-ball action is measured by xG, xA, and shot-creation actions.
Yet, the game's turning point came down to an off-ball action that registers as a zero on a traditional stat sheet.
While Christos Tzolis received the official assist for his pass to Odegaard after cutting inside from the left wing, the decisive moment to Havertz thanks to his special awareness.
Havertz baited Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana into stepping forward to contest a first touch, before spotting Odegaard’s third man run and thus, making a dummy move which created a vacant corridor behind for Odegaard to receive the ball and slot into the back of the net.
Read More: Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea: What To Do About Estevao
How Havertz Disrupted Chelsea’s Structure
Under Xabi Alonso, Chelsea attempted to establish a mid-block to limit central progression. Havertz systematically dismantled this structure by interchanging positions across all three attacking channels.
He showed this for the equalising goal in which he scored in the 25th minute when he carried the ball across the edge of the penalty area before driving a low finish past Emi Martínez. It was a goal that showcased his ability to self-create under pressure when defenders afford him pocket space.
Beyond his offensive output, Havertz led Arsenal's high press, preventing Chelsea from cleanly building out through their double-pivot after Morgan Rogers' second-minute opening goal.
As he showed during their 2-1 loss to Man City last April, his ability to press relentlessly can inject panic into the opposition, as Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into an uncharacteristic error to breathe life back into an Arsenal side under pressure after a brief bad spell of form.
Havertz Handed Standing Ovation
When Havertz was substituted in the closing stages of the derby, the Emirates Stadium responded with a standing ovation.
The German international continues to prove that an elite forward's value is not solely defined by volume shooting or highlight-reel dribbling.
Through elite spatial awareness, physical commitment in aerial duels, and subtle off-ball intelligence, Havertz remains the tactical glue enabling Arsenal's attack to function at a championship level.
As Jamie Carragher rightly put it on his analysis on Sky Sports after the game, Havertz’s importance to the team as a facilitator in the mould of Roberto Firmino for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp is what ultimately got them over the line.
"To displace Kai Havertz out this team, you’re talking about one of the best players in the world, that’s what you have to get.
"It has to be an Ian Wright, guaranteed 30 goals a season, a Thierry Henry. Gyokeres is never taking Havertz’s place, not ever.
"It’s not about how good they are just in attack, it’s what they give you for the team. One of the reasons why you can’t break Arsenal down as a team is how well they press from the front.
"When you see Havertz, what he does in terms of both boxes, set-piece wise as well. Havertz is more of a facilitator; he’s not a great goalscorer. Can [Bukayo] Saka or the wide players get more goals the way [Mohamed] Salah and [Sadio] Mane used to with Bobby Firmino in that position?
"They’re not both great goal scorers, but they bring an awful lot to the team. And this idea that you’ve got to bring someone in who’s like, amazing, yes, I’m the one who’s said consistently, they haven’t got one of the best players in the world in the front four.
"But you better get someone at that level, at that unbelievable level, to take Havertz out of that team. Mikel Arteta, the type of manager that he is, taking Havertz out of that team and what he does for that team defensively.”
Maybe it is high time people appreciated his value and importance to the team.
