Havertz Returns, Arsenal Make It Eight: Almaty Night at the Emirates

Arsenal beat Kairat Almaty 3–2 to complete a perfect Champions League league phase — eight wins from eight — and deliver Mikel Arteta’s 200th victory as manager. Kai Havertz marked his first start of the season with a goal and an assist, setting the tone from the second minute and later teeing up Gabriel Martinelli.

The night had early drama (a Jorginho penalty equaliser and VAR checks), waves of Arsenal pressure, and late academy moments as Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ife Ibrahim made their debuts. Despite a late ricardinho strike for Kairat, the Gunners saw the game out and kept their momentum.

With European history secured, Arsenal now turn back to domestic business: a Premier League trip to Leeds and then a Carabao Cup semi at the Emirates against Chelsea.