The Gunners forward scored a superb effort in Saturday’s Premier League draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium.
Brighton centre-half Lewis Dunk allowed the ball to bounce from an upfield punt, and Bukayo Saka split the defence with a lofted pass which Havertz ran on to.
The Germany international, clean through on goal, calmly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to put Arsenal in the lead.
Wright, speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, delivered a strong rebuke of anyone who suggested that Havertz’s goal was easy.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion F...
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has ‘no problem’ with Kai Havertz confidence
The Highbury icon challenged anyone to attempt such an effort in such a high-pressure environment when having to make a split-second decision.
“Great finish,” said Wright. “The way he took his chance, people say ‘easy chance, the goalkeeper’s in no-man’s land’.
“I tell you, 60,000 people there, the ball going through, goalkeeper in no man’s land, you go and try and lift that over the keeper and see how much you —- yourself!
“That’s a confidence thing, right, and he’s done it with aplomb. So I’ve got no problem with that.”
What the media said about Havertz display
Football.london gave Havertz 7 out of 10 and wrote: “Showed good composure to finish off what was a harder chance than it looked.
“Also created a great opportunity for Saka. Not as clinical as he could have been though.”
Likewise, the Evening Standard went with a 7 for his efforts against the south coast club.
“Took his goal really well by dinking the ball over Bart Verbruggen from outside the box,” they wrote. “Missed a great chance late on, though.”
Finally, Goal.com went with a solid 8 out of 10 for Havertz, praising his “clinical finish before half-time.”
“Tireless running as ever, especially after the red,” they added. “Had a great chance to make it 2-1 when his shot was saved, also did superbly to set up a chance for Saka.”
Havertz has come a long way at Arsenal
It beggars belief to think how much criticism Havertz got in his first few months at Arsenal after joining from Chelsea.
It took a while for the former Bayer Leverkusen star to rediscover his form, but now there’s no doubting his abilities.
Indeed, it’s great to see Havertz showing the kind of confidence he had when he was making a name for himself in the Bundesliga.
After the international break, Arsenal fans will look to see what another forward can do for the Gunners.
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