Kai Havertz’s last-minute winner for Arsenal against Everton on the final day of the Premier League season sparked a debate among fans. While the Gunners ultimately fell short of the title, some fans pointed to his goal tally as evidence of his success in his first season at the club.
Havertz’s Numbers: A Cause for Celebration?
Havertz’s goal against Everton brought his Premier League tally to 13 goals in 37 appearances. According to talksport, arsenal fans, still disappointed at missing out on the title by just two points, were quick to highlight these stats, particularly when compared to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
They pointed out that his 13 goals surpass Drogba’s tally in seven of his nine Premier League seasons at Chelsea. This stat, particularly considering Kai played a significant portion of the season in a false nine role, has been used by Arsenal fans to defend the £65 million transfer fee paid to Chelsea last summer.
Drogba’s Legacy: A Tough Comparison
Chelsea fans unsurprisingly pushed back against this narrative. Drogba, Chelsea’s third-highest scorer of all time, netted 204 goals for the Blues. While he only surpassed Havertz’s 13-goal mark twice in the Premier League (20 in 2006/07 and 29 in 2009/10), his overall impact on Chelsea’s success under Roman Abramovich is undeniable.
Social media saw a back-and-forth between the two fanbases, with some Arsenal fans celebrating Havertz’s achievement and Chelsea fans highlighting Drogba’s superior goal record and overall impact.
Havertz Looks Forward: Gratitude for Arsenal Support
He himself seems unfazed by the debate. Taking to social media after the final day, he expressed his gratitude to Arsenal fans, staff, and teammates for their support throughout his first season. He acknowledges the challenges of the season but emphasizes his belief in the club’s potential for future success.
