Mikel Arteta takes dig at Chelsea for ‘NOT respecting’ Kai Havertz when he was with the Blues – as Gunners boss claims German attacker’s confidence is ‘growing each day’ now he is ‘loved and admired’

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Mikel Arteta has taken aim at Chelsea for ‘not showing respect’ to Kai Havertz when he was a player for the Blues.

The Gunners boss proposed that the German youngster’s new found confidence and form is a result of being ‘loved and admired’ by his club and the fans.

Havertz came off the bench to head home what turned out to be the winning goal in the 89th minute of the game against Brentford on Saturday. 

Arteta made sure his goalscoring super-sub Havertz received the plaudits he deserved, taking him in front of the travelling fans to soak up their applause at the end.

Now, he has claimed the 24-year-old’s body language and confidence is completely different.

Mikel Arteta has claimed Kai Havertz did not receive ‘respect or admiration’ at Chelsea

The German youngster scored the only goal during the Gunners 1-0 win over rivals Brentford

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‘He’s been so influential, his confidence has grown,’ Arteta said. 

‘When you’re loved and admired and respected your energy and body language is so much better. That is how he is feeling now.’

Asked what he thought of Arsenal’s next game against Wolves on Saturday – who have beaten both Man City and Spurs this season – he said it will be a ‘tough challenge’.

‘It will be a big challenge. They have a lot of quality over there and they perform against the big sides.’

Then speaking about Arsenal’s potential this season, he said: ‘I think there is more levels to come. We can still improve.’

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