Kai Havertz unfazed by ‘bumpy’ Arsenal start

Kai Havertz’s start to life at Arsenal has been sluggish following his £65 million switch from London rivals Chelsea in June.

Despite starting all four Premier League matches for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, the 24-year-old has failed to achieve anything meaningful during his early days at the Emirates Stadium.

Without a goal or assist across his first 313 minutes of top-flight action for the Gunners, the Germany international has already come under heavy scrutiny.

Irrespective of his uneventful performances in north London, Havertz has retained his place under Hansi Flick.

He will be in contention when Die Mannschaft and Japan lock horns in a friendly on Saturday.

Speaking to the press in a pre-match conference, Havertz refused to show signs of frustration amid his stuttering start at Arsenal.

“I think so far in my career, I had phases here and there where things were a little bumpy,” he said, as relayed by France24.

“Of course, I know that you [media], after four matchdays, will just point out the negatives, and a lot of bad stuff will be written.

“It’s not the first time I’ve come to a new club, and so I know that it can take a bit longer. So I am relaxed about it.”

Havertz thought he had won a penalty for Arsenal in a dramatic 3-1 home triumph over Manchester United last weekend.

But referee Anthony Taylor overturned his initial call after consulting with the side-pitch monitor, denying the German his first noteworthy moment in the Gunners shirt.

Arsenal eventually won the game thanks to two unanswered injury-time goals, running out 3-1 victors to enter September’s international window with a near-perfect Premier League record.

Except for a 2-2 draw against Fulham in late August, Arteta’s men have won all three remaining league outings this term, staying within touching distance of defending champions Manchester City.

The versatile forward will be looking to turn his fortunes around during the international break, with Germany set for a pair of exciting exhibition matches against Japan and France.