We’ve installed bowls mats and two indoor soccer fields in the Arsenal Community Hub, and Kai Havertz is waiting for you to chat or join us for a Monday afternoon bowl.
As I was doing so, I heard a lot of noise coming from one of the pitches, so I walked around and found Havertz and Oleksandr Zinchenko playing soccer in competition with a neurodiversity community group.
The rivalry between the two is cringeworthy and makes you wonder, “Is this normal between two teammates at a community event?”
“No one in our team wants to lose,” Havertz explains. “When we go on away trips, we play a lot of little matches, but everywhere we go there’s a lot of competition. I have to beat him, otherwise he’ll go to training tomorrow and get a no-no from me. It’s going to happen!”
The Germany international has only been at the club for a short time, but it is clear how comfortable he is with his team-mates, the local community and the Arsenal staff.
“I’ve been here for a little over a year, but it feels like forever ago. I know everyone so well and it feels like home.”
Well, the competition didn’t end on the football pitch. Things got very interesting when the pair moved on to bowl with a group of seniors who enjoyed sharing their wisdom with the players.
I had tried a few bowls before, failed miserably, and explained to Havertz that it was harder than it looked.
After the first four attempts, he turned to me and said, “You were right!” It was a rare moment in my career.
Zinchenko entertains everyone on the mat and celebrates especially loudly when the ball rolls down, even when he is in pain.
“October and November were tough times. (We) played so many games overseas and some of our players were on tour in South America that it was tough for all of us.
“But we’re very happy to be back together. There’s four months until the next national team break and we’re all ready for this period. We’re all very happy to be back.”
Sunday, December 8th 1pm
Kickoff at 2pm
This change in fortunes also coincided with the return of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, Havertz’s close friend at the Gunners. As soon as I said his name, a big smile appeared on the German’s face as he explained what the game was like. Please play with him.
“For me, that’s so great! He’s just magic,” Havertz continued.
“He does everything very calmly and effortlessly on the pitch and has the confidence to turn the game around on his own. Even in bad situations he wins the ball and does something with it. He never runs away. “He’s a very important player for us.”
With the Norwegian back, Arsenal have made another leap forward, scoring 13 goals in their last three games in all competitions, but only 12 in their last nine games, with Odegaard missing seven of them. But does this mean Arsenal are back in the title race?
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard gestures during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Arsenal
“It’s still early in the season and a lot can happen. Personally, I’m thinking about how tough the Premier League is getting every year,” Havertz continued.
“Liverpool are suddenly performing at the highest level week in and week out and we definitely have to give them credit. “But there are a lot of games to pick up points so we’re definitely going to be ready for a fight. is” . ”
I moved on to talk about the upcoming match between Arsenal and Manchester United, but was interrupted when Zinchenko wiped out the stands with a bowler right next to where we were standing.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Mikel Arteta praises Bukayo Saka’s constant drive to improve, comparing the winger’s achievements to Cristiano Ronaldo in response to a question
There is no time to apologize, just stand back and prepare for the next challenge. That’s his competitive nature.
This time he succeeded, screaming, running and punching in the air, much to the amusement of the watching crowd and his Arsenal team-mates. He has now told us how much he loves his time at Arsenal.
“I’m enjoying every second. For me, this is the best thing I can do. I’m very happy with the support from everyone who helped me. I’m just starting out, but it’s good I want to continue to be in shape and continue to play well” to win the title. ”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Martin Odegaard talks about his return from injury and Arsenal’s hopes for this season
Havertz currently has 42 fewer Premier League goal involvements for Arsenal (26) than he did at Chelsea, and has blossomed under manager Mikel Arteta.
But as the minutes ticked away on what was a great Community Day, where Julian Timber and Raheem Sterling also appeared at the Arsenal Community Hub, Havertz spoke to me about the joy he derives from this special community. .
“We give a lot and we get a lot of love from the community. Even now, when they come, they’re so happy to see us. Around Christmas, we give something back. , it’s a time when you see a lot of happy faces and spend money. It’s so nice to be able to spend time with them and make them smile.”
Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring for Arsenal
For all the participants who gained so much from Arsenal’s Community Day, it was certainly a great pleasure to meet their heroes, and a 60-year-old Brazilian man who calls himself “Pele” (for me anyway) ) said it was one of the best days of his life. .
Arsenal also took players to two local hospitals and the club continues to go the extra mile for their local communities, something the club is extremely proud of.
On the pitch, Havertz remains positive that the Gunners’ success is on the horizon.
“The team still has a lot to develop and improve. I’m sure the next few years will be great for us and I think everyone is ready for it.”
