Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images

News

HomeNewsArsenalEnglish Premier League

Arsenal star was so exhausted that he needed to be lifted up by physios after 1-0 win over Wolves

Lucas Arnold

Sun 26 January 2025 9:15, UK

Amid controversial circumstances, Arsenal were able to secure a vital win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori.

Calafiori’s first Arsenal goal against Manchester City earlier in the season was nothing short of spectacular, and his second strike for the club was arguably just as impressive.

Playing with 10-men for a large period against Wolves, it still felt as if Mikel Arteta’s side were pressing to win the game.

And fortunately for the Gunners, Calafiori took his goal superbly, timing his half-volley to perfection to beat Jose Sa at his far post.

That being said, Kai Havertz had already come close to beating Sa two or three times before Calafiori’s strike, and the German should have netted at least once in truth.

Kai Havertz absolutely exhausted after another 90 minutes vs Wolves

Arsenal have been missing chances of late, and Havertz has been as guilty as anyone in red.

However, journalist Simon Collings spotted something at full-time following the win over Wolves which perhaps explains why Havertz isn’t quite at his sharpest right now, both physically and mentally.

READ MORE: Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer deliver their verdicts on Michael Oliver giving Myles Lewis-Skelly a red card for Arsenal vs Wolves

Taking to X, Collings noted how exhausted Havertz looked at the full-time whistle at Molineux, a striker who is rarely ever afforded a break owing to a lack of replacements in the squad. 

Havertz needed to be lifted up off of the pitch by Arsenal’s physios at the end of the game, a player who is giving everything for the club right now.

Collings wrote: “Kai Havertz was absolutely spent at the end of that. Had to be hauled up off the ground by a couple of the physios.”

Havertz has played more minutes than any other Arsenal forward

Havertz has been criticised a lot by pundits and fans for his finishing of late, and he has missed big chances in fairness.

But perhaps a bigger picture does need to be recognised – Havertz is giving everything for his side right now, constantly flying into duels and doing every bit of ‘dirty work’ that he can.

Arsenal are hunting for a striker – the correct call given that Gabriel Jesus won’t be available for the remainder of the season.

But either way, Havertz’s contributions and efforts shouldn’t be undermined because he’s failed to take a few good chances of late.

Across all competitions this season, only David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have played more minutes than Havertz, who is playing a more physically demanding role.

And it also has to be noted that Havertz is also leading the way for Arsenal in terms of his goalscoring too, netting 14 goals in 31 games across all competitions.

A player who is giving everything and perhaps deserves a little bit more from fans in return.