Kai Havertz can match Robin van Persie Emirates record this weekend | OneFootball

Kai Havertz has the chance to equal a significant record at the Emirates Stadium this weekend as Arsenal take on Southampton.

The German international, fresh off a Player of the Match performance in the 2-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, is just one goal away from matching Robin van Persie‘s record of scoring in seven consecutive games at the Emirates.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Arsenal scores his team’s first goal against Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain (obscured) during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

After scoring his sixth home goal in a row against PSG, Havertz’s consistent form at the Emirates has raised hopes that he could go one better and set a new club record.

The 25-year-old forward, who endured a slow start to his Arsenal career after his transfer from Chelsea in 2023, is now firmly establishing himself as one of Mikel Arteta’s most reliable players.

Havertz’s growing impact at Arsenal

Kai Havertz with his Player of the Match award for Arsenal’s win over Paris Saint-Germain (Photo via Champions League on Twitter)

Havertz’s ability to rise in key moments has not gone unnoticed. Since joining the Gunners, he has scored 19 goals and registered eight assists in 60 games.

While his overall numbers for Arsenal might not immediately jump off the page, the real story is his recent form.

In 2024 alone, Havertz has been directly involved in a goal or assist every 128 minutes, a dramatic improvement from his early days at the club.

In Premier League matches this year, that figure improves further to one every 105 minutes.

The record in sight

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Arsenal FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Havertz’s next challenge comes on Saturday when Arsenal face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

Southampton, who have struggled defensively this season, offer Havertz a real chance to equal Robin van Persie’s record of scoring in seven consecutive home matches.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 31: Robin van Persie of Arsenal controls the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Queens Park Rangers at the Emirates Stadium on December 31, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

If he can find the net against Southampton, Havertz would then have the opportunity to break the record in Arsenal’s following game against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Reflecting on his form at the Emirates, Havertz said, “It just feels like home to me. The atmosphere is great, the support is great. Sometimes when the game goes against you, all the supporters are important to us.

“We feel that a lot on the pitch, it helps me a lot and gives me a lot of confidence.”

What’s next for Havertz?

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 28: Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrate victory following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City FC at Emirates Stadium on September 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

With five goals and one assist in nine games so far this season, Havertz is playing some of his best football.

His burgeoning partnership with Leandro Trossard has helped fill the void left by the absence of Martin Ødegaard in recent weeks, with Mikel Arteta praising the German’s adaptability and intelligence on the pitch.

If Havertz can continue his excellent form, it seems only a matter of time before he eclipses his numbers from his Chelsea days, where he managed 32 goals and 12 assists across 139 games (goal or assist every 205 minutes).

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

His improved confidence, strong performances, and determination to contribute to Arsenal’s success have made him one of the club’s key players.

As Havertz aims to equal Van Persie’s record, Arsenal will hope to maintain their title push, with three points against Southampton keeping them at the top of the Premier League.