We’re at the Arsenal Community Hub, next to bowling mats and two indoor soccer pitches, waiting for Kai Havertz to come and join us for a chat and a Monday afternoon bowling.
While there was loud noise coming from one of the stadiums, we found Havertz and Oleksandr Zinchenko playing soccer competitively with a neurodiverse community group.
The rivalry between the two is writhing and you’re wondering, ‘Is this normal between two teammates at a community event?’
“No one on our team wants to lose.” Havertz explains to me. “We play too many little games when we travel. Wherever we go the competition is fierce. I have to beat him or he’s going to go to training tomorrow and take the **** away from me!”
Although the Germany international has only been at the club for a short time, it is clear how comfortable he is with his team-mates, community and Arsenal staff.
“I’ve been here a little over a year, but it feels like a really long time. I know everyone so well and it feels like home.”
The rivalry didn’t end on the football pitch. Things got really good when the pair bowled with a senior group who enjoyed sharing wisdom with the players.
Arsenal’s Kai Havertz celebrates with his teammates.
I had tried a few bowls before and had failed miserably, and explained to Havertz that it was harder than it looked.
After the first four attempts, he said to me, “You were right about that!” This is a rare moment in my career.
Zinchenko entertains everyone on the mat, freaking out when the ball rolls down and celebrating especially loudly.
“October and November were difficult months. (We) played too many games abroad, some players traveled to South America and it was a difficult time for all of us.
“But we are very happy to be together again. There are four months left until the next international break and everyone is ready for it. We are all very happy to be back.”
Sunday, December 8th, 1pm
Kickoff at 2pm
The change in fortunes coincided with the return of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, a close friend of Havertz’s at the Gunners. As soon as I mentioned his name, a wide smile appeared on the German’s face. Play with him.
“It’s great for me! He’s just magic.” Havertz continued.
“He makes everything very calm and relaxed on the pitch, he has the confidence to turn the game around on his own. Even in bad moments he gets the ball and does something with it. He never backs down. He is a very important player for us.”
The Norwegian is back and Arsenal are flying high once again, scoring 13 goals in their last three games in all competitions. They had only scored 12 goals in their previous 9 games and Odegaard missed 7 of them. But does this mean Arsenal are back in title contention?
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 think how much more difficult the Premier League is getting every year.” Havertz continued.
“Liverpool have performed at the highest level every week and I definitely need to give them credit, but (there are) a lot of games to play to get points so we will definitely be ready for a fight.”
I moved the conversation to Arsenal’s upcoming game against Manchester United, but it was interrupted by Zinchenko wiping the stands with a bowling ball right next to where we were standing.
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Mikel Arteta praises Bukayo Saka’s desire to continue improving and responds to a question comparing the winger’s output to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Such is his competitive nature that he immediately backs off without taking the time to apologize and prepares for the next attempt.
This time he succeeded, screaming, jumping and punching the air in celebration. The crowd and his Arsenal team-mates have told him how much he loves life at Arsenal now.
“I enjoy every minute of it. For me, this was the best thing I could have done. I’m so happy for the support of everyone who helped me during my time. I’m just getting started and I want to continue playing well and playing well for the title. Get it.”
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Martin Odegaard has opened up about Arsenal’s hopes for this season after returning from injury.
Havertz has now recorded more Premier League goal involvements (26 games) for Arsenal than he did in 42 fewer games for Chelsea and is thriving under Mikel Arteta.
But as the clock ticked down on what was a great Community Day, Jurrien Timber and Raheem Sterling also turned up at the Arsenal Community Hub. Havertz spoke of the joy she has found in this special community.
“We get a lot from the community and we get a lot of love. Even now they are very happy to see us. Around Christmas it is time to give something back, see a lot of happy faces and spend money. We spend time with them. It’s really nice to send it out and make them laugh.”
Raheem Sterling celebrates Arsenal’s goal
It was great to see all the participants who have gained so much from their time in the Arsenal community and see their heroes. A 60-year-old Brazilian man who calls himself “Pele” (to me, anyway) described it as one of the best days of his life. .
Arsenal also took players to two local hospitals and they continue to strive to do more for the local community, something the club takes great pride in.
On the pitch, Havertz was positive that success was just around the corner for the Gunners.
“There are still a lot of things in the team that can develop and get better. I’m sure the next few years will be great for us and I think everyone will be ready for them.”
