12 May 2024 , 07:00
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Arsenal are ready to conquer Old Trafford again, and Kai Havertz is the man to do it.
The 24-year-old has had his doubters since making the £65million move from Chelsea last summer. A loss of form and being deployed in different positions hasn't made for an easy transition for the German attacking midfielder.
But a brace as a striker against his old Blues teammates and a vital goal against north London rivals Tottenham have given him the confidence he needed. Gilberto Silva was part of the 'Invincibles' who won the Premier League 20 years ago.
The Brazil and Arsenal legend, who is also a co-founder of hate-free social media platform Striver, said: "He is playing a different role from what he normally did in the past, but he's been brilliant. When you come from Chelsea to Arsenal, some people believed that it's not Arsenal's style. He can't fit into the team.
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"It was a little bit difficult for him at the start, and also for Mikel to find his best position. But slowly, with patience and trying, try again, they both have found it. Kai has been a team player, and, despite his early struggles, performed so well."
Gilberto also believes that Havertz is benefitting from his fellow 'new boys'. Leandro Trossard joined the Gunners last January as they went head to head with Manchester City for the Premier League title.
After coming up short last May, Arsenal added England lynchpin Declan Rice, for a staggering £105m, to their midfield. Gilberto said: "It helps a lot because you don't depend only on just a few players to score goals, which is important because, as you know, the season is quite long, it's very difficult. Declan is powerful, he gets the ball back from the opponent, but also with the run forward."
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Gilberto won the Premier League with unbeaten Arsenal in 2004 (Getty)
Havertz has 12 goals and six assists to his name in the league this campaign (Getty)Arteta has raised the bar since taking over in December 2019. But with just shy of £600m spent on squad-building, a second-placed finish to City last year and just an FA Cup in the bank, expectations are rising.
"You play for Arsenal, you play for a big club like them, the expectation is quite high," Gilberto concluded. "I believe that what happened last season, they were not expecting that, it's my opinion.
"But this season, I think they are very solid. They consolidate what they planned a few years ago. They consolidate the team, they have the manager controlling players on his hand. He knows his team very well. But that is a point that people will start to ask."