Paul Merson says ‘the best player on the pitch’ for Arsenal v Lens wasn’t even playing in the right position

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has named Kai Havertz as his man of the match for the Gunners in the Champions League rout of Lens.

The Arsenal icon described the Gunners summer signing as an “elegant” player who’s playing with immense confidence at present.

Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, even suggested that Havertz did so while not playing in his best position.

The Germany international appears to have finally turned a corner at Arsenal following a difficult start to life at the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz has needed some time to get up to speed, but last weekend he finally scored his first goal from open play for the Gunners.

Now, much like the proverbial buses that don’t show up for ages before two show up at once, the 24-year-old has made it two goals in consecutive games.

Havertz got the ball rolling for Arsenal against the Ligue 1 side, scoring in the 13th minute of the match.

The 24-year-old was on hand to bundle home from close range – via the underside of Bryce Samba’s arm – following a Gabriel Jesus header into his path.

Havertz also played a part in Bukayo Saka’s third, was a thorn in the opposition’s side and, crucially, looked to be enjoying himself in red and white.

Arsenal star Kai Havertz is a ‘top player’

“Havertz is a confidence player and he’s playing with confidence right now,” Merson said on Soccer Special, via the Sky Sports website.

“I thought he was the best player on the pitch tonight. He was elegant, he picked the right passes and made the right decisions.

“He’s a top player. I don’t think he’s playing in the right position but he’s still a top player.”

Merson has previously gone on record as saying that he feels the Arsenal summer signing should be playing in attack instead of in midfield.

No matter where you think he should be played, there’s no doubt that Havertz is a quality player. He always has been.

However, for one reason or another, it didn’t work out for him at Chelsea, and it has taken him a while to really get up to speed at Arsenal.

It looks like he has turned a corner so let’s hope for more of the same going forward.