Havertz marks long-awaited return with a goal as Arsenal seal perfect champions league run

Kai Havertz marked his first start in almost a year with a goal as Arsenal completed a flawless UEFA Champions League league-phase campaign, beating Kairat Almaty to record a perfect eight wins from eight matches, Sport360NG reports.

The Gunners had already secured a top-two finish following last week’s 3-1 victory over Inter Milan, guaranteeing home advantage in the second legs of their knockout ties. Wednesday’s win ensured Mikel Arteta’s side finished top of the table.

Arsenal made an explosive start, going ahead inside two minutes when Havertz slipped Viktor Gyokeres through on goal, and the striker drove a low effort into the corner.

Despite sitting bottom of the league phase with just one point, Kairat responded almost immediately. Jorginho converted from the penalty spot after Riccardo Calafiori was penalised for pulling back a midfielder in the box.

Normal service soon resumed, however, as Arsenal regained control of the contest. Havertz, making his first start for the club since February 5 last year, restored the lead with a powerful left-footed finish.

Gyokeres spurned a couple of clear chances to extend the advantage, but he played a key role in Arsenal’s third goal. Attempting to meet a low cross from Havertz, the forward diverted the ball into the path of Gabriel Martinelli, who tapped in from close range.

Gabriel Jesus thought he had added a fourth late on, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside, before Ricardinho headed home a consolation goal for the visitors in the closing moments.

The victory saw Arsenal finish top of the league phase and made them only the second English side to win eight or more consecutive Champions League matches, matching a feat previously achieved by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Havertz Return Offers Arteta Fresh Options

With Arsenal already assured of a top-two finish, the match carried little jeopardy, allowing Arteta to rotate heavily, making 11 changes to his starting line-up.

The standout positive was the return of Havertz to the starting XI for a competitive fixture after 357 days. The Germany international had managed just 59 minutes of first-team football since recovering from a knee injury sustained on the opening day of the season.

Deployed in midfield with Gyokeres leading the line, Havertz’s performance offered a glimpse into one potential tactical setup for Arteta when both players are fully available.

While Gyokeres has endured a challenging start following his £64m summer move from Sporting, Havertz remains an alternative option to lead the attack in high-profile matches. However, Arteta’s recent use of Havertz in midfield, including off the bench against Portsmouth, suggests the manager may view him as a key creative presence when Arsenal look to play on the front foot.