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Kai Havertz's old comments on Raheem Sterling have emerged after the Englishman joined Arsenal on deadline day (August 30). The two played together in the 2022-23 season for the west London club after Sterling arrived from Manchester City.
Sterling's two-year spell with the Blues has been underwhelming, with the forward mustering just 19 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances across competitions. The Englishman will want to fare better with the Gunners as they look to win the Premier League for the first time in 21 years.
Havertz lavished praise on Sterling many times when the two played together at Chelsea. These words should encourage Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and fans to look forward to a lethal connection between the two this season.
After a Premier League match in 2022, Havertz complimented Sterling's vision:
"I know what kind of vision Raheem has. He loves to place these balls." (via Daily Star)
The German forward also stressed Sterling's influence after a tense game against Leicester City where the Englishman's goals proved decisive for the Blues.
"We needed goals. He scored two goals in the end, and that's the most important thing. In the end, I think he did well, and he helped us a lot today.
"It is very exciting (having a player like that around). We have played four games, and he has shown his quality today again." (via Daily Star)
Havertz continued:
"Sometimes, it takes a bit of time to adapt 100 per-cent, but he has adapted very fast, and we can build on that in the future. We are all delighted for him. You can see in every training session how much work and effort he puts in, and he just deserves it."
Havertz also lauded his connection on the field with Sterling, adding that the Englishman's 'style of play suits us very well.'
Raheem Sterling's versatility is another plus point for the forward. The Englishman can play anywhere in the attack, so Arteta will have a tough job setting a forward line, with so many options at his disposal.
Arsenal fans left furious after referee's controversial decision in Brighton draw
Arsenal fans were furious with the referee for sending off Declan Rice off in the Brighton game. Referee Chris Kavanagh gave marching orders to Rice in the 49th minute after the defensive midfielder was booked for the second time for allegedly delaying the game.
Minutes after the restaart, Brighton got a free-kick. Rice got a slight touch on the ball as Joel Veltman went for a quick free-kick. That triggered a reaction from the Brighton defender, but the referee booked Rice for delaying the game.
Despite vehement protests from the Gunners players, Rice had to march down the tunnel. His first yellow card had come in the 42nd minute for a foul on Veltman, but that was a bookable offence.
Despite taking the lead in the 38th minute via Kai Havertz, the Gunners squandered it in the second half, with Brighton's Joao Pedro equalising nine minutes after Rice's send-off.
Arsenal next face Tottenham Hotspur in the all-important North London Derby on September 15.
