Former England defender Gary Neville has highlighted Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard as Arsenal's most influential players following their crucial London derby victory against Chelsea.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville was particularly impressed with the attacking midfielders' performance, noting their significant impact in turning the tide of the match after an early deficit.
“Odegaard and Havertz have been Arsenal’s two best players,” Neville stated during the broadcast. The duo were instrumental in Arsenal’s comeback, with Havertz netting the equalizer before assisting Odegaard's go-ahead goal.
Havertz leveled the score with a composed finish in the first half. However, Neville’s analysis focused heavily on their intelligent movement and tactical prowess in central areas, which repeatedly exposed weaknesses in Chelsea’s midfield transition, allowing them to dictate the game's tempo.
The defining moment of their synergy came early in the second half. In a fluid team move, Havertz, receiving the ball near the box, executed a brilliant dummy, letting the ball run through his legs. This clever maneuver completely deceived the Chelsea defense, creating a clear opportunity for Odegaard, who calmly slotted the ball home to give Arsenal the lead.
Neville’s praise was validated by this sequence, showcasing Havertz’s selfless play and Odegaard’s sharp finishing, a masterclass performance from Arsenal’s standout pair.
