Arteta hails Havertz’s mentality: ‘I wish that you could all spend time with him’ | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Kai Havertz is a “joy to work with” and hailed his mentality following a tough last week for the forward.

The forward was criticised following his performance in the FA Cup exit to Manchester United after missing big chances to score.

Havertz has scored seven goals in 18 Premier League games this season and has been Arteta’s main starting striker for much of the campaign.

And with a serious injury to Gabriel Jesus, the responsibility on Havertz has increased further.

Arteta hailed the 25-year-old’s ability to focus on the future and backed him to put his recent run behind him.

“It’s a joy to work with him, honestly,” he said.

“I wish that you could spend some time with him, and the players and the people around him (love him). That’s why we all love him.

“He just looks forward, he takes it on the chin, he works harder, and he tries again.

“Like with anyone in football, what you did today or three weeks ago it doesn’t matter, it’s about now against Aston Villa what we can produce.

“We’re going to be judged on that, that’s it. So let’s look forward to that.”

Arsenal responded to their FA Cup exit to Man Utd and a Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Newcastle by beating north London rivals Tottenham 2-1 in midweek.

Arteta was delighted with the atmosphere against Tottenham and has called on the fans to create a similar occasion when they take on Aston Villa on Saturday.

“Hopefully that’s the standards,” he said.

“We need them and hopefully we can maintain it, and we go from there to better.

“Hopefully they watch the press conference, if not I think it would be difficult for me shouting and waving my arms! What else can I do? I’ll try my best.”