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Declan Rice says he’s been so impressed by ‘special’ 24-year-old Arsenal player in training

Declan Rice has shared just how hard Kai Havertz꧙ is working in training after the German scored his first Arsenal goal in their win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Ri൩ce was speaking to following the outstanding 4-0 victory on the south coast which saw Mikel Arteta’s men send out a real message to their Premier League rivals.

The game saw Kai Havertz score his first Arsenal goal. The 24-year-old scored from the penalty spot after being given the ball by Bu🅺kayo Saka w📖hile the Gunners were 2-0 up.

Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Steve Nicol hit out at Arsenal for being u🧸nprofessional in g𝓀iving Havertz the penalty while only 2-0 up (via ). But it was clear what it meant to the entire Gunners squad to see the former Chelsea man finally get off the mark for t﷽he club.

And Declan Rice has suggested that Havertz has definitel♓y done enough to deserve that moment.🉐

Declan Rice lauds Kai Havertz after first Arsenal goal

“It was emotional, for the fans, for Kai, for everyone involv꧒ed, because we want him to succeed so much,” he told .

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“Honestly, he works his socks off every day in training. In games he gives absolutely everything. He’s had chanc𓄧es to score this year, hadn’t scored yet, but today to slot away a penalty in that high pressure moment, shows the mindset that he’s got, shows the talent he’s got and his all-round performance was so special, I’m so happy for him.”

Gunners forward makes a start on silencing critics

Perhaps the goal will not change a lot for Havertz. He still has a lot of work to dꦦo to really prove himself in the Premier League. But he is someone who would surely benefit from there being less noise around him.

It has been right to criticise his performances. But as with anything, some of the critic𒆙ism has gone too far. And it does appear as if some have simply been desperate to see Havertz struggle.

If he bags a couple of penalties – his c🔜areer record from the spot is actually very impressive (via ) – that will stop at l🐈east some of the talk surrounding his goals return for Arsenal.

That wiꦆll not silence everyone. But it will weaken their argument when they take shots at him.

And if Havertz restores his confidence, 🤪perhaps Arsenal will be rewarded b🐽y seeing much more of the special player Declan Rice knows he can be.