The nerves for Arsenal are at an all-time high.
It has been a very long time since the club has been in such a situation where they can still win the Premier League title.
This time last season, Arsenal had already collapsed and handed the title to Manchester City.
But this time around, Mikel Arteta’s side have proven that they have learnt from last season’s mistakes and they are on the hunt to become champions of England.
There are many reasons behind the club being able to keep up with Treble-winners, Manchester City.
The signing of Declan Rice has made a huge impact, players like William Saliba staying fit and the surprise performances of Kai Havertz.
The German international moved to the Emirates in the summer from rivals Chelsea for a hefty transfer fee.
As Jamie Carragher touched upon, he was getting ‘mocked’, but fast forward to the present and he feels Havertz is playing a key role in his team still being in the hunt for the title, as he told Sky Sports Premier League (06/05/24 at 7:20 pm).
Havertz has 12 Premier League goals from 35 matches. He is now scoring enough for his own fans to sing ‘£60 million down the drain, Kai Havertz scores again’ to the tune of Waka Waka.
And Carragher wasn’t shy to admit ‘I sing it now and again myself’.
Kai Havertz’s Arsenal song
“I think Arsenal right now defensively are as good as anyone in Europe and the world right now,” said Carragher. “They have definitely improved in 2024 compared to the first half of the campaign.
“One of the reasons that has helped this is the role of Kai Havertz. He has been mocked a little at the start of the season. You are not quite sure where he fits in. To be honest, I have never been quite sure where his best position is. He is a centre-forward and he is helping Arsenal do what they are doing right now which is being so strong defensively and that’s what is giving them a great chance to win the Premier League.
“They have a great song for him, haven’t they Arsenal fans? Love it. It’s a catchy tune. I sing it now and again myself. He is having a real impact on the team and I don’t think anyone envisaged that at the start of the season.”
Kai Havertz has proven doubters wrong
Whatever happens from now until the end of the campaign, Arsenal have done very little wrong to miss out on the title.
Yes, they will look at the defeats to Fulham and West Ham United over the winter period and, especially, losing home and away to Aston Villa.
READ MORE: Watch out Arteta… Manager admits he dreams of taking Arsenal job
But you are talking about the smallest of margins.
They will have to go again, with Havertz proving doubters wrong and showing why Arteta put so much faith in him.
- MORE: Paul Scholes delivers verdict on Manchester United's 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, slams two players