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As per the Express, Joe Cole expressed his regret that Chelsea ever let go of the “brilliant” Kai Havertz, who is set to face his former club when he lines up for Arsenal tonight at the Emirates. Havertz made a notable impact as a substitute during the Gunners’ late comeback against Chelsea in October, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Tonight, the German international will be eager to play a more significant role against his former team. Havertz departed Chelsea for Arsenal for £65 million last summer, and he has already made a considerable impact with nine goals and five assists in the Premier League, surpassing his previous best season with Chelsea. There’s even a possibility he could reach double figures by scoring against his former club tonight.
Joe Cole, a former Chelsea midfielder who scored 39 goals in 282 games in all competitions for the London club, confesses he wishes Havertz was still wearing blue this evening. Cole told the media:
“I always liked him as a No.9. I thought he was a brilliant player for Chelsea. He came in with a massive transfer fee and he played in multiple positions and always did a good job.”
“And he scored the winning goal in the [Champions League] final. I’ve always liked him. I didn’t want to see him go. He’s gone there and done really well and found his feet. He’s a box player, whether he plays as a No.9 or a false nine, he’s got a lovely instinct to score goals and a lovely weight of pass and calmness.”
“I’d have loved to see him stay at Chelsea, I really would. When he was playing that role for Chelsea, that role was synonymous of the last 20 years of like Drogba, Torres and Costa, recognized center-forwards. When he was playing there, Chelsea fans are used to having that. I thought he did a great job at Chelsea and he was a great signing for Arsenal.”
However, Chelsea’s decision to transfer Havertz didn’t leave them with a sense of regret, as they secured Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for around £30 million as a replacement. Jackson has made a significant impact in his debut Premier League season, netting 10 goals and providing four assists. However, his performance has been marred by high-profile misses throughout the season, leading to some disappointment among fans and pundits alike.
While Arsenal has been in contention for the championship alongside Manchester City and Liverpool this season, Chelsea has predominantly occupied a mid-table position. Only recently have they reignited hopes of qualifying for European competitions.
The London rivals are set to clash at the Emirates later tonight, with Arsenal aiming to widen their lead at the top of the league table, while Chelsea seeks to distance themselves from their rivals in the race for European football spots.
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