Arsenal new boy Kai Havertz has hit back at his critics after the German netted his first goal for the Gunners in their pre-season win over the MLS all-stars.
The Gunners kicked off their tour of the USA with a game against the all-stars, managed by former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.
In a strong starting XI named by Mikel Arteta, his side took the lead after just five minutes when Gabriel Jesus fired home from outside the box, before their lead was doubled before half time by fellow attacker Leandro Trossard.
Jorginho netted a penalty two minutes into the second half, before Gabriel Martinelli ran away to add a fourth.
Havertz, sent on at half time, grabbed a fifth in the final minute of normal time, chesting down a cross from Marquinhos before thumping a volley into the corner.
Kai Havertz scores his first goal for Arsenal 😤
(via @MLS)pic.twitter.com/GLq1Hy98es
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 20, 2023
It came just 24 hours after the German was subject to widespread ridicule for his performance in the volley challenge against the all-stars, in which he became the first player in its five-year history to not score with a single attempt, something that plenty of rival fans were quick to jibe at given his £65m price tag this summer.
Hav that 🎯🥱 pic.twitter.com/WyvlA7sLct
— Kai Havertz (@kaihavertz29) July 20, 2023
‘But in all seriousness.. Really nice feeling to get my first Arsenal goal!’, he added in a follow-up tweet. ‘Thank you to the fans for the amazing support this week!’.
The Gunners next play Premier League rivals Manchester United as they step up their pre-season campaign, with the two sides set to meet on July 22nd at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
