Havertz gets it spot on as Arsenal prove too strong

AS ARSENAL’S Kai Havertz staggered his run-up upon approaching the penalty spot, time appeared to stand still.

Martin Odegaard had been upended by Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie, referee Michael Salisbury pointing to the spot. Bukayo Saka was readying himself to take the penalty, before Havertz emerged.

Both Saka, and Odegaard, Arsenal’s other penalty-kick taker, had decided this one was for the German.

The away side were already 2-0 up by this point, with goals from Saka and Odegaard. Yet, as Havertz stepped up to coolly slot the ball into the bottom-left corner, one could see the relief drain from his body as he jogged towards the away end.

Ben White made it 4-0 late on and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta later praised the spirit of togetherness in his ranks.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle had to exert more energy than he would have liked with Paris SaintGermain to come on Wednesday — a hamstring injury to Joelinton could be costly — but they got the job done in a 2-0 win over struggling Burnley.

Miguel Almiron opened the scoring inside 14 minutes with a stunning strike and Alexander Isak converted a penalty late on, after Anthony Gordon was fouled.

Playing Premier League games at Villa Park proved no sweat for Aston Villa as they trounced Brighton 6-1.

After a week in which their perspiration-heavy Castore shirts got more headlines than the football, Villa recorded their 10th consecutive home league win.

Ollie Watkins scored a hat-trick with Jacob Ramsey, Douglas Luiz and an own goal completing the rout.