Kai calling for Hav a go heroes

KAI HAVERTZ says Arsenal intend to use today to lay down a marker to Premier League title rivals City.

Havertz (below) told Arsenal’s official podcast The Dispatch: “I don’t think it’s like another match, it’s one game and if you don’t win, you’re out.

“It’s going to be a big one. Arsenal versus City always, is but this especially given the circumstances in the league, it’s going to be amazing.

“We want to show we are right there and want to show them that we’re desperate to win trophies this year and that starts here. We will prepare very well for that and try to bring the trophy home.”

Despite a Community Shield penalty-shootout victory over City in 2023, Wembley Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Havertz, who has endured a stop-start campaign due to knee and muscle injuries.

He lost three domestic finals there – two FA Cup and one Carabao Cup – with Chelsea and was also part of the Germany side which was eliminated by England in the knockout stages of Euro 2020.

Havertz said: “It’s always special to play at Wembley Stadium. We’re close to winning a trophy and it doesn’t matter what trophy, they’re always important.

“Personally, I’ve worked all my life to play these kinds of games. We don’t have loads of games like this to play in your career, I want to enjoy it and win.”

Havertz will never forget the pain he endured in May 2024 when City broke Arsenal hearts to claim the Premier League title on the last day of the season.

His 89th-minute winner was enough to see off Everton (2-1) but City’s 3-1 triumph over West Ham saw Arsenal fall short.

He recalled: “Mid-game, we went 1-0 down and then you hear the crowd going crazy as West Ham scored. It was all very emotional.

“You feel how hard it is to take defeat when you could have won a trophy, it’s an extra push that can help bring it over the line.”