Kai Havertz marked his first start of the season with a goal and an assist as we defeated Kairat Almaty to make it eight straight wins in the Champions League league phase.
The German slipped through Viktor Gyokeres after two minutes to open the scoring before Jorginho's penalty levelled for the Kazakhstan champions.
Havertz then curled home before having a hand in Gabriel Martinelli's sixth UCL goal of the season. Despite a late header from Ricardinho, we saw the game out to ensure we became the first side to win all eight league matches and give Mikel Arteta his 200th win in charge of us.
kai returns in style
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Havertz was making his first start of the season, and he was immediately involved in the action to open the scoring. A fine ball from Eberechi Eze found the German, who slotted through Gyokeres and the Swedish forward did the rest.
Almost straight away, though, Kairat had the chance to get back in the match. Riccardo Calafiori was adjudged to have pulled back Jorginho in the penalty box following a lengthy VAR check by referee Urs Schnyder. Kairat's number 7 then sent Kepa the wrong way to level the scoring.
After a frantic opening seven minutes, it took us eight minutes to get back in front. An inch-perfect ball over the top by Ben White was chased down by Havertz, who was able to cut back in on his left and curl into the back of the net.
Gabi continues UCL run
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The chances continued to fall our way, with Viktor coming close to adding to his tally twice. The Swede fired just wide after good play from Ben White and Havertz before diverting Myles Lewis-Skelly's wicked low cross over the bar from close range.
Noni Madueke came into the match looking to add to his three UCL goals this season and almost had it as he bobbed and weaved his way into the Kairat box, before his shot was well blocked.
But we did make it three with both goalscorers involved. A slick pass and move saw Christian Norgaard find Havertz inside the box. The German then squared to Gyokeres who, in trying to finish, touched the ball into the path of Martinelli who did the rest. The goal was initially ruled out by the assistant referee but following the second lengthy VAR check, Havertz was deemed onside as Martinelli celebrated his sixth goal in the league phase.
Gabi sensed another and almost made it 4-1 within a minute of kick off. Having been found by Havertz in time and space, the Brazilian could only fire at Temirlan Anarbekov in the Kairat net, who made a fine save.
knocking on the door
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A day after celebrating five years at the club, Martin Odegaard was introduced at the break for Kai Havertz, and almost found the net but his header from Martinelli's cross was straight at Anarbekov.
The early chances continued to come for Mikel Arteta's side, Noni Madueke the next to have a go from range but his volleyed effort was parried away from Anarbekov.
Martinelli was causing havoc down the left, providing a fine outside of the boot cross to find Odegaard once more, but the captain's header was straight at Anarbekov once more.
hale end debuts
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During his time as our manager, Mikel Arteta has given debuts to 17 academy products and he made it 18 with little over 15 minutes remaining.
Winger Brando Bailey-Joseph, who had netted in the UEFA Youth League this season, replaced Gabriel Martinelli to become the 926th player to represent the club.
The 17-year-old was treated with big round of applause from the faithful in N5 and was found inside the box by Madueke but he couldn't quite get the ball under control to get a shot away.
We looked to add a fourth late on and substitute Gabriel Jesus almost found it having been brilliantly found by Norgaard, but he placed his shot just wide.
Gabi then thought he'd netted after finishing another fine Norgaard ball but the flag went up for a narrow offside call.
That proved to be Norgaard's final involvement as we gave another debut to an academy starlet as Ife Ibrahim, just days after signing his new deal, came on for his Emirates debut to become the 19th Hale End star to be blooded by Mikel.
There was just time for Kairat to have the final say as substitute Ricardinho headed home from close range as the match finished 3-2.
what's next
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We return to Premier League action on Saturday, January 31, taking on Leeds United at Elland Road at 3pm. Following that, we then host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, looking to advance to our first EFL Cup final since 2018. Our next Champions League clash won't be until March in the round of 16 in the competition.
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