Mikel Arteta hails match-winner Kai Havertz by claiming the German 'fully deserves it' after he secures Arsenal's victory over Brentford in the Spanish manager's 200th game in charge

Mikel Arteta hailed Kai Havertz for showing how to overcome adversity — after he came off the bench to snatch a late winner.

Havertz’s 89th-minute header, scored at the back post from Bukayo Saka’s cross, came 10 minutes after the substitute had replaced Gabriel Martinelli.

It earned Arteta, who marked his 200th game in charge for the Gunners, top spot after Manchester City and Liverpool had drawn earlier yesterday.

The German player has faced scrutiny this season over where he fits into the team — he even played at left back last week for Germany. 

‘When things come easy you don’t value them,’ said Arteta. 

‘If things came easy then he wouldn’t have got the reception he got today with everybody hugging him and telling him how much we love him.

‘He is an example for all of us to do what you have to do when you have difficulties. We could not be happier that a big player like him wins the game.’

At full-time Arteta grabbed Havertz by the neck to take him to the away fans. 

‘Because he fully deserves it,’ he added.