Newcastle defender Dan Burn says Kai Havertz is 'quite a nice guy' after the pair put their on-pitch clashes behind them during a friendly drink in Singapore
Dan Burn and Kai Havertz
Dan Burn and Kai Havertz and clashed in the past(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Dan Burn has confessed that Kai Havertz is "quite a nice guy" despite numerous fiery confrontations between the pair. During recent encounters between Arsenal and Newcastle United at St James' Park, multiple yellow cards have been brandished, with Havertz receiving one for a particularly late challenge on Sean Longstaff.
This was amongst six bookings handed out during Newcastle's 1-0 victory in November 2023, thanks to a contentious Anthony Gordon winner.
In their most recent encounter at Emirates Stadium, Burn was cautioned after a melee erupted, with him and Jakub Kiwior grabbing handfuls of each other's shirts. Burn and Havertz particularly have clashed repeatedly, with their rivalry beginning before the German had even signed for Arsenal.
Despite an elbow from Havertz during his Chelsea days - which left Burn needing stitches - before he nipped in front of the Newcastle defender to net the decisive goal, the England international has disclosed that he bears no grudges towards Havertz or any of his Arsenal colleagues.
"He's actually, frustratingly enough, quite a nice guy. I had a drink with him and he's actually sound," he told Four Four Two.
Dan Burn and Kai Havertz went head-to-head in 2023
Dan Burn and Kai Havertz went head-to-head in 2023
View 2 Images
"I saw him in pre-season when we played in Singapore. We had time where we could go and have a few drinks, and we saw some of the Arsenal lads. I just got chatting to him. We both said to each other, 'That's just the way it is when we play,' we've just got to be at that sort of level."
Havertz has featured only sporadically since that friendly encounter after sustaining a knee problem against Manchester United on the opening day, which necessitated minor surgery to rectify. Arteta has nevertheless indicated that he is nearing a comeback.
He revealed in a press conference last week: "[Scans] clear, not yet, but they [Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres] are getting closer and closer. We are very positive with both of them and that's it."
Due to that setback, Havertz was absent when the two sides met again in September, with Arsenal emerging triumphant thanks to late strikes from Mikel Merino and Gabriel Magalhaes.
It came as little shock that contentious incidents materialised, with a penalty overruled by VAR and two potential handball spot-kicks not awarded. Arteta's sense of relief was clearly evident in his post-match press conference following the 2-1 triumph on Tyneside.
He said: "Unbelievable feeling, that's what football is about. And a team, when you get what you deserve right at the end, it's not a better feeling than that."
Newcastle, meanwhile, face Arsenal's rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night. Thomas Frank's side have endured three consecutive defeats, and Eddie Howe will hope his side can add a fourth at St James' Park.
After an inconsistent start to the season for the Magpies, they showed their talents against Everton over the weekend in a 4-1 win. They now have back-to-back home games against Spurs and Burnley on Saturday.
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts**,* and you can also watch along on YouTube.*