Arsenal legend Ian Wright is full of praise for Kai Havertz following the German’s match-winning goal against Brentford and his growing influence in crucial fixtures.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has praised Kai Havertz‘s recent form, highlighting his knack for scoring in crucial games. This includes his match-winning goal against Brentford and his contributions in past matches against big teams such as Manchester City. Wright emphasises his view of Havertz as a “big-game player.”

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Wright told Sky Sports: “You just look at what he’s done, in the time he’s done here he’s doing the same things, obviously he wasn’t scoring at the rate he is now, but he’s a big game player.”

Wright’s praise extends further back, remembering his previous comments urging Havertz to get more playing time over Eddie Nketiah. Wright cited Havertz’s importance in their victory over Manchester City earlier in the season.

“You know what, if Havertz doesn’t go in there to lay it back down, we may not get that goal against Man City. Because some of the times, Eddie like I said, he did a lot of work, made so many runs. But there’s times when you look in the build up when he’s either too far on the left if it’s on the right, or too far on the right if it’s on the left.

“And you just need that body, that focal point in the middle, that Thomas Partey can chip it in to, who can make sure that he chests it down to hold it and lay it back off. And I think that Kai Havertz coming on and doing that was absolutely brilliant for us.”

Prior to finding his goalscoring touch, Havertz faced criticism for his inconsistent performances. Gary Neville was particularly critical, questioning the player’s work ethic and impact in front of goal.

Havertz has now equalled his best Premier League scoring tally for a season (8).