ARSENAL fans have hailed the “emotional” moment that saw Kai Havertz record his first goal for the club.
Havertz finally broke his duck in his seventh appearance for the club when he converted from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute.
The goal came with Arsenal 2-0 up in the game.
Vice-captain Martin Odegaard had already converted from the spot in the first-half and it looked as though it would be him or Gabriel Jesus to take the second penalty.
Cameras picked up a conversation between Odegaard and Jesus which showed the Gunners captain appearing to say Havertz should take the pen.
Havertz then duly converted as he sent the Bournemouth keeper Neto the wrong way.
It was clear to see what it meant to Havertz and his team-mates as virtually the whole team ran up to join in with his celebrations after he netted his first goal in a Gunners shirt.
Arsenal fans on Twitter loved the moment, with one tweeting: “If this doesn’t make you proud to be a gooner…. I think Jesus was meant to take it. Ø convincing him to give it to Kai. Jesus approves with a nod to Kai. Helping a friend out. Look how happy they are and how relieved he is.”
In the replies to the video one fan said: “Tears in my eyes.”
Another wrote: “I’m just so glad, for him, the team and especially the captain, that he scored. Imagine the meltdown if he hadn’t.”
While a fourth wrote: “I love this club . What a captain!!!!!”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke of his delight at his team allowing Havertz to take the penalty and said after the game: “I love to be part of a team that shows the human qualities that they have show, that empathy towards a player that has some question marks to resolve externally… they won me even more.
“I’m thankful to our supporters as they sang his name. Kai deserves that”.
Arsenal went on to win the game comfortably 4-0, with goals from Saka, Odegaard, Havertz and White.
The Gunners are now up to third in the Premier League table on 17 points and are just one point behind leaders Manchester City.
