Havertz: Arsenal ‘ready for the fight’ in Premier League title race

Kai Havertz says Arsenal are “ready for battle” as they aim to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The Gunners are in second place and nine points behind the Reds, who have dropped just five after the first thirteen games of this season under Arne Slot.

Mikel Arteta's side will hope to reduce the deficit when they welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, while Liverpool travel to St James' Park to take on Newcastle United.

Arsenal have finished second to Manchester City in each of the past two Premier League seasons and Havertz is confident they will be in contention again this time.

“It's still in the early part of the season and a lot can still happen,” he said. “For me personally, I think how much tougher the Premier League is becoming year after year.

“Liverpool are suddenly performing at the highest level week in, week out. I definitely have to give them credit for that. [There are] There are still many games to play, points to earn, so we are ready for battle.

“There are still a lot of things in the team that we can develop and get better at, and I'm sure the next few years will be great for us. I think everyone will be ready for it.”

Arsenal are full of momentum, winning each of their last three games in all competitions, scoring 13 goals along the way.

The Gunners have scored just 12 in their previous nine games, with Martin Odegaard missing seven, but Havertz believes he and his teammates have reaped the benefits of the captain's recent return from injury.

“For me it's quite fun! He's just magical,” said the forward. “He makes everything so calm and easy on the pitch and has the confidence to turn games around on his own.

“Even in bad moments he takes the ball and does something with it. He never shies away. He is a very important player for us.”

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