Havertz comes good for Gunners

Kai Havertz took a long time to win over the Arsenal fans after his summer move from Chelsea but there will be few doubters left after his clinical double against his old club helped fire the Gunners three points clear in the English Premier League title race.

The 24-year-old German produced two clinical finishes after the break as Arsenal accelerated to a 5-0 victory that sent a powerful message to title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.

Havertz took 10 appearances to mark his first Arsenal goal and for those first few months in north London the player who scored the winner for Chelsea in a Champions League final looked struggling for identity. But those difficult times now look behind him, and 12 goals in all competitions look a decent return while his all-round play gives Arsenal attacking flexibility.

"He deserves it. He's been outstanding since he's come in. You don't realize how good he is until you play with him," said Ben White, who also scored twice.

Manager Mikel Arteta said: "His overall contribution in every phase of play was tremendous. It was a great performance."