Featured Image Credit: Getty & Arsenal
Topics: Kai Havertz, Arsenal, Chelsea, MLS, Gabriel Jesus, Wayne Rooney
Josh Lawless
Topics: Kai Havertz, Arsenal, Chelsea, MLS, Gabriel Jesus, Wayne Rooney
Kai Havertz' volleying prowess might not have been on point in the skill challenge but the German man was bang on the money as he opened his Arsenal account on Wednesday night.
The Gunners blitzed the MLS All-Stars, managed by Wayne Rooney, by a record 5-0 scoreline. Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring with a filthy chip from outside the area, before Leandro Trossard doubled the lead in the 23rd minute.
Jorginho converted a penalty just after half-time and then Martinelli and Havertz struck late on to complete the rout at Audi Field.
The £65 million signing from Chelsea produced the perfect response after being ridiculed for his below-par performance in various skill challenges.
The former Bayer Leverkusen man was scolded online after becoming the first player in history to record ZERO points in the "Cross and Volley" challenge.
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Havertz hit the woodwork and blazed a number of efforts over the bar as teammates fizzed crosses in for him, while he didn't exactly excel in the Touch Challenge which players also participated in.
But none of that mattered as Havertz proved he can in fact volley footballs into the net in the 89th minute against the MLS' best crop of players.
Brazilian winger Marquinhos curled the ball to the far post and after it dropped over the head of a defender, Havertz chested the ball down and smashed home with his left foot.
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He celebrated with his arms outstretched and was congratulated by his teammates, who looked delighted for him.
Jurrien Timber, a £34 million arrival from Ajax, impressed in his debut, while £105 million man Declan Rice was tidy as ever in a 25-minute cameo in the second half.
Havertz was also a second half substitute and was deployed on the left of a midfield three, though Mikel Arteta loves the versatility he possesses.
"He gives us something different with his quality and his height," Arteta said, as per the BBC.
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"For example, he can be the target man if we need to beat the press. He's playing at the attacking midfield position for now but I'm sure throughout the season he'll be used in different positions."
Next up for Arsenal is an appealing clash with Manchester United in New Jersey on Saturday night.