Mikel Arteta has described Kai Havertz as a genetic "powerhouse" and backed the Germany international to compensate for Arsenal's failure to sign a forward in January.

The conclusion from Newcastle United’s trouncing of Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final was that Eddie Howe has better attackers at his disposal than Mikel Arteta. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will have nightmares about Alexander Isak for months after being tormented by the Swede in both games.

Mikel Arteta has placed full trust in Kai Havertz to lead Arsenal’s attack for the rest of the season, praising the German’s physical resilience and professionalism.Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty