Arsenal 3 – 2 Kairat – Match Report

Kai Havertz marked his first start of the season with a goal and an assist as we defeated Kairat Almaty to make it eight straight wins in the Champions League league phase.

The German slipped through Viktor Gyokeres after two minutes to open the scoring before Jorginho’s penalty levelled for the Kazakhstan champions.

Havertz then curled home before having a hand in Gabriel Martinelli’s sixth UCL goal of the season. Despite a late header from Ricardinho, we saw the game out to ensure we became the first side to win all eight league phase matches and give Mikel Arteta his 200th win in charge of us.

kai returns in style

Havertz was making his first start of the season, and he was immediately involved in the action to open the scoring. A fine ball from Eberechi Eze found the German, who slotted through Gyokeres and the Swedish forward did the rest.

Almost straight away, though, Kairat had the chance to get back in the match. Riccardo Calafiori was adjudged to have pulled back Jorginho in the penalty box following a lengthy VAR check by referee Urs Schnyder. Kairat’s number 7 then sent Kepa Arrizabalaga the wrong way to level the scoring.

After a frantic opening exchange, we got back in front in 15 minutes. An inch-perfect ball over the top by Ben White was chased down by Havertz, who was able to cut back in on his left and curl into the back of the net.

Gabi continues UCL run

The chances continued to fall our way, with Viktor coming close to adding to his tally on two occasions. The Swede fired just wide after good play from White and Havertz before diverting Myles Lewis-Skelly’s wicked low cross over the bar from close range.

Noni Madueke came into the match looking to add to his three UCL goals this season and almost had it as he bobbed and weaved his way into the Kairat box, before his shot was well blocked.

But we did make it three as both goalscorers helped set up Martinelli. A slick pass and move saw Christian Norgaard find Havertz inside the box. The German then squared to Gyokeres who, in trying to finish, touched the ball into the path of Martinelli, who did the rest. 

The goal was initially ruled out by the assistant referee, but following the second lengthy VAR check of the match, Havertz was deemed onside as Martinelli celebrated his sixth goal in the league phase.

Gabi sensed another and almost made it 4-1 within a minute of his first strike. Having been found by Havertz in time and space, the Brazilian could only fire at Temirlan Anarbekov in the Kairat net, who made a fine save.

knocking on the door

A day after celebrating five years at the club, Martin Odegaard was introduced at the break for Havertz, and almost found the net, but his header from Martinelli’s cross was straight at Anarbekov.

The early chances continued to come for Mikel Arteta’s side. Madueke the next to have a go from range as his volleyed effort was parried away from Anarbekov. 

Martinelli was causing havoc down the left, providing a fine outside of the boot cross to find Odegaard once more, but the captain’s header was straight at Anarbekov for a second time inside 15 minutes of the second half.

hale end debuts

During his time as our manager, Mikel Arteta has given debuts to 17 academy products and he added two more to that long list in the final 15 minutes of the match.

Winger Brando Bailey-Joseph, who had netted in the UEFA Youth League this season, replaced Gabriel Martinelli to become the 926th player to represent the club.

The 17-year-old was treated with big round of applause from the faithful in N5 and was found inside the box by Madueke, but he couldn’t quite get the ball under control to get a shot away.

We looked to add a fourth late on and substitute Gabriel Jesus almost found it, having been brilliantly played through by Norgaard. The Brazilian opened up his body to try and find the bottom corner but fired just wide.

Gabi then thought he’d netted after finishing another fine Norgaard ball, but the flag went up for a narrow offside call.

That proved to be Norgaard’s final involvement as we gave another debut to an academy starlet in Ife Ibrahim. Just days after signing his first professional contract, the youngster came on for his Emirates debut to become the 19th Hale End star to be blooded by Mikel.

There was just time about for Kairat to have the final say as substitute Ricardinho headed home from close range to send the away fans, travelling over 4,000 miles for the contest in London, home with a moment to remember.

what’s next

We return to Premier League action on Saturday, January 31, taking on Leeds United at Elland Road at 3pm. Following that, we then host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, looking to advance to our first EFL Cup final since 2018. Our next Champions League clash won’t be until March in the round of 16 in the competition.

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