“It Was Hard to Conquer Her” – Mikel Arteta Likens Kai Havertz’s Arsenal Challenge to His Own Personal Struggles With Wife

German soccer player Kai Havertz has been going through a hard time in his early spell at Arsenal. After his tough time at Emirates Stadium in the big game against Manchester United, Gunners’ coach Mikel Arteta defended his new player by comparing it to the first experience of his meeting his wife.

During a post-match press conference, Arteta said, “I said to Havertz: things are hard at the beginning. When I met my wife, at the beginning it was hard to conquer her. It was hard, I had to try and message her, and go, and go. And at the end when she says ‘yes, we can be together…’ it’s beautiful”. 

Havertz had a miserable game against Manchester United on Sunday where he missed a sitter and saw his mistake result in the visitors’ only goal in the first half. Despite huge expectations, Havertz has not yet contributed to any of Arsenal’s three wins in the first four games.

Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League winning member (2020/21), the 24-year-old Kai Havertz joined Arsenal this summer. The Gunners reportedly spent US$ 82.72 million for Havertz, making him the club’s second most valuable signing of the summer.

In the first four 2023/24 PL matches, Havertz has spent more than 300 minutes on the field but has no contribution to the goals. So, the fans aren’t happy with him. After the Man United encounter, Mikel Arteta defended the German attacking midfielder. 

Arsenal sneak past Manchester United with two late goals at the Emirates 

The latest Arsenal vs. Manchester United was a dramatic thriller, where the Gunners won the home game by 3-1. Two stoppage-time winning goals added three valuable home points for the London club.

Havertz’s mistake cost a goal as Rashford brilliantly put the visitors ahead in the 27th minute. However, soon after the halftime, Arsenal skipper, Martin Ødegaard equalized for Arsenal. VAR ruled out Arsenal’s penalty in the 60th minute and dismissed Alejandro Garnacho’s goal for United in the 88th minute due to offside in the second half.

In the sixth minute of the stoppage time, $100 million summer signing, Declan Rice put the hosts ahead by 2-1 from a corner. In the 11th minute, a quick counter-attack resulted in another goal for Arsenal to seal the game 3-1. It was Gabriel Jesus’ first goal against Man United.