Arsenal: Kai Havertz is game-changer to solve main Mikel Arteta problem in trophy hunt | OneFootball

Imperative that Gunners keep him fit for run-in after late Leverkusen rescue act in Champions League

First came the cheers. Then, soon after, the jeers. Arsenal’s Kai Havertz had been welcomed back to Bayer Leverkusen like a long-lost son from the moment he arrived at the stadium.

The appreciation was just as warm on Wednesday night. On his way out to the Arsenal warm-up, he was presented with a framed picture depicting his time in Leverkusen.

There was applause, too, from around the stadium when Havertz came off the bench with 15 minutes remaining, but all soft spots were soon hardened.

After a lengthy VAR review determined the referee was right to decide that Noni Madueke had been fouled by Malik Tillman, more than a minute passed between Havertz placing the ball on the penalty spot and then eventually taking it.

The Leverkusen fans did their best to put him off, whistling and booing, but Havertz held his nerve and stroked the ball into the bottom corner to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw.

"Football is a funny game and it brings special stories and him coming back here after such a long time, being part of this club, to come here and score such an important goal, I think it's a big moment," Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said.

Once again there are questions over Arsenal’s attack, both in terms of personnel and tactics

It was the very most Arsenal could argue they deserved after a flat, uninspiring performance. Once again there are questions over the attack, both in terms of personnel and tactics.

That is nothing new. It is March, Arsenal are still in the quadruple hunt, and yet have not had a forward player in consistent goalscoring form this season for more than about two weeks at a time.

Leandro Trossard was impressive earlier in the campaign but has faded badly. Bukayo Saka has been well off his best. Gabriel Martinelli has delivered numbers in the cups but not all-round performances.

Through the middle, Viktor Gyokeres is as much a source of bemusement as goals and Gabriel Jesus has done little to suggest he should be leading the line.

To say Arsenal need a leader of the attack, then, is an understatement. Havertz is not necessarily the guaranteed scoring machine to fire them to multiple trophies but it is essential they keep him fit.

The German has three goals and two assists in his last eight appearances and has looked sharp on the whole, considering he had more than four months out after knee surgery.

His impact on the team has been clear. Against Brighton earlier this month, Arsenal spent the first hour being pinned back and having no control of the match.

Once Havertz was introduced, they had an out-ball up top and he cleverly held it up and drew fouls. His technical quality and overall game is on another level to that of Gyokeres.

Holding his nerve: Havertz dispatched a spot-kick after Noni Madueke was fouled by Malik Tillman

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

In Leverkusen, Havertz again impressed off the bench. Arsenal have been cautious with his fitness and that has been with the intention of having him fully firing during the run-in.

With Arsenal still juggling four plates, it will be a case of Arteta deciding when Havertz is most needed. There is every chance he starts in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in 10 days' time, for example.

He is the best bet of getting more from the Arsenal wingers, with Havertz's tendency to drop deep and link play creating space in behind. There is a real intelligence to how he plays and he is one of Arteta's most trusted players.

It has been a hugely frustrating season for Havertz, an injury-hit period that he described this week as mentally the toughest time of his life.

The German already has a Champions League winners’ medal in his collection, having netted the winner in the final for Chelsea in 2021, and he is eyeing another this season.

If Havertz can find top form when the stakes are at their highest over the next two months, Arsenal's attacking struggles and his own personal challenges will be a minor footnote to a more triumphant final chapter to the season.