Most important goal of Arsenal player’s career came vs Man City… Arteta must start him on Sunday

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It goes without saying but Arsenal could make a huge statement should they win their first game after the international break this weekend.

Mikel Arteta‘s men have been flawless in the Premier League in 2024. And they find themselves top of the table on goal difference. But of course, it is Manchester City who lie ahead for the Gunners on Sunday.

It is a mouthwatering clash. City will be looking to produce yet another remarkable winning run. Arsenal meanwhile, have a chance to show just how much progress they have made over the last 12 months.

The Gunners have not won at the Etihad Stadium since 2015. And the manner of their defeat at a similar stage of last season felt like a big moment in the title race.

Arsenal star has impressive track record against Manchester City

So this is surely worth a lot more than three points. And Arteta has to get his team selection absolutely spot on.

With that, perhaps this game could provide Kai Havertz with the perfect opportunity to complete his redemption arc.

Havertz has silenced a lot of his doubters in recent months. The German has scored in his last four league appearances. And he also scored while away on international duty.

This form will have come as a surprise to many, because Havertz had struggled for much of his time at Chelsea. And he did not exactly hit the ground running at Arsenal.

But what is interesting is that Havertz actually has quite an impressive record against City.

Kai Havertz holding off the challenge of Gabriel Jesus

The 24-year-old has provided three assists against just one Premier League team across his career – and that is Pep Guardiola’s men (Transfermarkt). One of those came earlier this season, when Havertz set up Gabriel Martinelli for the winner at the Emirates.

He has only scored once. But of course, that proved to be the most important goal of his career to date, with it giving Chelsea Champions League final glory in 2021.

Havertz also looked really impressive in the first-half of the Community Shield on his Arsenal debut. That was the first hint – and only, for some time – that he may have something to offer the Gunners as a striker.

The Sun reported this week that Gabriel Jesus is set to be in the squad for this weekend. And he has managed to impress behind the scenes at London Colney.

But given his recent form and his record against City, Havertz is surely the only option Mikel Arteta can opt for up front in one of the biggest games of his tenure.