Arsenal defeated Keira 3-2 in the eighth round of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, thanks to goals from Dzekeresh, Havertz, and Martinelli. Arteta stated that Havertz is an incredible player who can help improve the team's overall strength.

In the 2nd minute, Havertz passed the ball to Dzekeresh, who broke into the penalty area and fired a low shot into the net, giving Arsenal a dream start of 1-0. In the 4th minute, Calafiori fouled an opponent in the penalty area, awarding Keirat a penalty. Jorginho then converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 for Keirat.

In the 15th minute, Ben White played a long pass, and Havertz received the ball, broke through the defense in the penalty area, and fired a shot into the net, helping Arsenal regain a 2-1 lead over Keira. In the 36th minute, Havertz received a through ball from Nelgaard and then crossed it, and the ball touched Dzekellysh before Martinelli immediately pushed it into the net, helping Arsenal extend their lead to 3-1.

In stoppage time of the second half, Ricardinho scored for Keira. However, Arsenal ultimately defeated Keira 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking about Havertz's performance, Arsenal manager Arteta said, "It's incredible. For a player who has been out for so long, to finish a game with such mindset, energy, and efficiency is truly impressive. We know how much he can help us in different positions, roles, and different playing environments, and he's a player who can make us stronger."

It's worth mentioning that in addition to Arsenal advancing to the Champions League Round of 16 with an impressive eight-game winning streak, Arteta also reached the milestone of his 200th victory as manager of the Gunners.

Arteta said, "This is a very big number, and I'm very happy, especially since we've finished the first stage of the tournament in this way, and now we can focus on the next challenge."

“We finished the first stage of the Champions League the way we wanted, and we also won first place, so we don’t have to play two more games and we have home advantage in the second leg of the knockout stage. After making 11 changes, the team showed a very good attitude from the start of the game, and we also saw the performance of the players after their return.”

In addition, Arteta added, "It's regrettable to concede two goals. Although we scored three goals, we should have scored more based on the chances we created."

Image source: Internet