3 standout players from Arsenal's Champions League win over Kairat

Arsenal ended their Champions League league phase with a 100% record as they defeated Kairat 3-2 at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Viktor Gyökeres opened the scoring with a good finish after just two minutes before the visitors grabbed a surprise leveller from the penalty spot. Kai Havertz restored the advantage through a well-taken strike soon after with Gabriel Martinelli then making it three from close range. Ricardinho pulled a goal back for Kairat in stoppage time, but it was the Gunners who took the three points.

It was a heavily rotated Arsenal side that took on the Kazakhstan Premier League champions, but it was still a good team performance with three players standing out.

3 standout players from Arsenal's bizarre win over Kairat

1. Kai Havertz

Making his first start in almost a year, Kai Havertz had a great impact despite playing just one half of football against Kairat.

His influence was felt practically instantly as after just two minutes, he played a neat pass through to Viktor Gyökeres that the Swede brought under control before slotting it into the back of the net. Havertz then got on the scoresheet himself when he picked up a long ball from Ben White and drifted inside before curling a fine effort in.

He was then involved once again when he sent the ball across the face of goal for Gyökeres to knock it on to Gabriel Martinelli, who tapped in from close range for the third.

Havertz was brought off at half-time, likely to protect his fitness, but that didn't stop being from an absolute standout in his return to action.

2. Viktor Gyökeres

Taking back the starting striker spot from Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyökeres took his chance playing against a weaker side.

He grabbed the opening goal with just two minutes played when he controlled a pass from Havertz well to set himself before firing an effort into the Kairat net. The Swede continued to be a nuisance for the visitors' defence with his physicality and runs being a source of trouble.

Gyökeres contributed once again when he got a touch on Havertz's cross for Martinelli to fire in from close range. While he missed a few chances where he could have done better, it was the kind of performance Arsenal fans want to see from him up front.

3. Christian Nørgaard

Handed a rare start, Christian Nørgaard put in a good performance at the base of midfield to prove his worth to this Arteta and Arsenal.

While he didn't have too much to do, the Dane was solid in the middle, dealing well with the rare Kairat pressure and helping his team constantly play up the pitch. He was involved in his side's third when he played a neat flick-on to Havertz in the build-up to the goal and could've had an assist himself with a brilliant over-the-top pass for Gabriel Jesus to score, only for the flag to go up for offside.

Of course, Nørgaard's performance isn't going to see him take the starting spot from Martín Zubimendi, but it showed he is an option and can be reliable when called upon.