Kai Havertz: ‘We
needed it’
Kai Havertz scores against Sporting. (Photo by Alex Juarez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
**Kai Havertz**handed out praise to two teammates as **Arsenal**earned a 1-0 victory over Sporting.
The German came off the bench to bag the only goal of the game in injury time as the Gunners return to the **Emirates Stadium**with the advantage for next week’s second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal clash. He coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net, but the incisive pass and impetus came from a fellow substitute.
And while this effort engineered a breakthrough at one end of the pitch, the shot stopper for the visitors was vital as he denied Geny Catamo, Luis Suarez, and Maxi Araujo.
The display was not the most exciting offensively from the Premier League leaders, but it does put them back on track as they prepare to play **Bournemouth**on the weekend after back-to-back losses.
“I've said that about 80 per cent of the goal goes to [Gabriel Martinelli.] I was there to finish it off. I but it was a top assist from him, I saw him and he just played the perfect pass, and it was a good goal.
“I still think people underestimate him in the football world, but for the last two years, I don't know, maybe he's been the best 'keeper in the world and we're all glad to have him here.
“I think we needed [the win] as we were all frustrated with how the last couple of weeks went. It is time to move forward, it's time to be positive, and it's time to all stick together as a group - as players, staff, fans, we're all in this together and we still can make something happen this year. It can be something very special, that's what we're going to go for, and now it's time to win games."