Kai Havertz expressed confidence that Arsenal “can secure major titles” after they seized control of their Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting CP on Tuesday.
Havertz, who came off the bench, netted a last-minute goal to clinch a 1-0 victory in Lisbon, proving the Gunners’ resilience after recent setbacks in domestic cup competitions.
Following a disappointing week in which Arsenal lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City and were eliminated from the FA Cup by Southampton, the win in Lisbon reaffirmed Mikel Arteta’s team’s unbeaten status in Europe this season and put them on track for a second consecutive Champions League semifinal appearance.
With Arsenal holding a nine-point advantage at the top of the Premier League, Havertz remarked, “It’s a significant turnaround for us after losing the last two matches. We aimed for a comeback today, and we achieved that.”
“We remain united as a group, and there’s still much more to accomplish this season. With seven weeks left, we can achieve great things, and we’re determined to pursue them.”
Arteta commended his team for rediscovering their “identity” following a challenging stretch after the narrow win against a formidable Sporting side.
“The pressure since August has been to win consistently, and if you don’t, it feels like a failure. People expect nothing short of four trophies,” Arteta noted. “While that’s understandable, it’s important we maintain perspective, especially from my end, to remind ourselves of our journey and accomplishments. We need to focus on the present, give our best, and see where it leads us.”
Havertz also praised goalkeeper David Raya for his exceptional performance, making crucial saves that kept the match goalless until Havertz’s decisive strike.
In the closing moments, Raya denied a header from Geny Catamo and executed a double save against both Catamo and Luis Suarez.
“For me, he’s been the best goalkeeper in the world over the last two seasons. He’s saved us so many times,” Havertz reflected.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.