3 positives & negatives from Champions League opening day PSV win

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 20: Kai Havertz of Arsenal, Declan Rice of Arsenal, Leandro Trossard of Arsenal, Martin Odegaard of Arsenal, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, William Saliba of Arsenal, Gabriel of Arsenal, Ben White of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the third goal of the team during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Arsenal and PSV at Emirates Stadion on September 20, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Hans van der Valk/BSR Agency\Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 20: Kai Havertz of Arsenal, Declan Rice of Arsenal, Leandro Trossard of Arsenal, Martin Odegaard of Arsenal, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, William Saliba of Arsenal, Gabriel of Arsenal, Ben White of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the third goal of the team during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Arsenal and PSV at Emirates Stadion on September 20, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Hans van der Valk/BSR Agency\Getty Images) /
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Havertz looked more comfortable on Wednesday. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Havertz looked more comfortable on Wednesday. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Positive #3: Kai Havertz

I, as have many others, have given Havertz plenty of stick since he arrived from Chelsea for big money in the summer transfer window. My issue with the 24-year-old has less to do with his lack of goals, as I do not expect that from him, and more to do with the lack of impact he was having on matches.

Against PSV, however, the German international gave us all a glimpse of why Arteta signed him in the summer. It was possibly the first time we have seen Havertz shine in an Arsenal shirt, with the playmaker an integral part of our success.

One moment in particular stands out to me – with the ball fired up the German, he eased into his marker, letting the ball drop over his head before perfectly bringing it to a stop with his left foot and drawing a free-kick – it was Havertz at his best.

I have been harsh on Havertz, and it is only fair to praise him for what was a very good performance.

Negative #3: Gabriel Martinelli absent

The final negative from Wednesday night wasn’t from the match at all, but rather, it was the fact that Gabriel Martinelli was not included in the matchday squad. Given he was forced to retire early from the Everton game through injury, we can only assume that the Brazilian has sustained a relatively serious injury.

If that is the case, then his injury will be a serious blow to the squad.