Champions League Action Sees Kairat Fall to Arsenal, Havertz Makes Comeback

Arsenal secured a 3-2 victory over Kairat Almaty in their UEFA Champions League group stage match on January 28, 2026. The win extended their unbeaten streak to eight games and solidified their position as group leaders.

The win extended their unbeaten streak to eight games and solidified their position as group leaders.

Arsenal dominated possession with 65.6% and outshot Kairat 11-2, with Kai Havertz’s return to the starting lineup marking a pivotal moment in the match.

Havertz scored a goal, provided an assist, and delivered key passes, underscoring his importance to Arsenal’s attacking strategy.

Arsenal took the lead in the 2nd minute when Eberechi Eze’s through ball found Havertz, who crossed for Viktor Gyokeres to score low into the net.

Kairat equalized five minutes later after ‘Riccardo Calafiori fouled Jorginho,’ resulting in a penalty.

Havertz restored Arsenal’s lead in the 15th minute with a composed finish after cutting inside from the right wing.

Gabriel Martinelli extended the lead in the 36th minute by tapping in a cross from Havertz following a sequence involving Christian Norgaard.

Kairat’s late goal came in the 90+4th minute when substitute ‘Ricardinho headed home from a corner,’ but Arsenal’s resilience preserved the victory.

The result secured Arsenal’s position as group stage winners with an 8-0 record and 24 points, surpassing Manchester City’s prior 10-match winning streak in the Champions League.

Havertz’s return to the starting XI, his first since February 2025, followed a year of limited appearances due to hamstring and knee injuries.

Rated 7.69/10 by BBC Sport, the 29-year-old midfielder influenced the game with his vision and movement.

He assisted Gyokeres’ opener, scored the second goal, and set up Martinelli’s third, demonstrating his ability to function as both a playmaker and finisher.

Manager Mikel Arteta emphasized Havertz’s impact, stating, ‘His return gave the team confidence, joy, and energy. He’s a key piece in our puzzle, and his performance showed he’s ready to contribute at the highest level.’

Havertz’s link-up play with Gyokeres created multiple chances, though missed opportunities from both players were noted.

Arteta’s tactical adjustments, including deploying Havertz in a midfield role, suggested a potential long-term strategy to maximize his versatility.

Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation allowed Havertz to operate centrally, supporting Gyokeres and Martinelli.

The team’s high press and quick transitions disrupted Kairat’s defense, with Ben White’s long balls and Havertz’s overlapping runs creating space.

However, Arsenal’s lack of clinical finishing in the second half—despite 25 shot attempts—highlighted areas for improvement.

Kairat’s performance, while valiant, exposed defensive vulnerabilities.

The visitors’ only shot on target came from Jorginho’s penalty, and their late goal resulted from defensive lapses.

Despite finishing bottom of the group with one point, Kairat’s ability to score against top-tier opposition demonstrated their competitiveness.

Arteta’s decision to rotate the squad, making 11 changes from the previous match, balanced fitness maintenance with testing alternatives.

The manager also provided debuts to 17-year-old winger Brando Bailey-Joseph and 18-year-old midfielder Ife Ibrahim, indicating a commitment to youth development.

Bailey-Joseph, who previously scored in the UEFA Youth League, made an immediate impact but was substituted due to defensive errors.

Arsenal’s perfect group stage record guarantees home advantage in the knockout rounds, with the draw set for February 27.

The Gunners will face Bayer Leverkusen, Atala, Borussia Dortmund, or Olympiacos in the round of 16.

Havertz’s fitness and form will be critical in these high-stakes matches as Arsenal aim to build on their European success.

Player ratings from the match highlighted Havertz’s dominance, with a 7.69/10 average, alongside Martinelli (7.29/10) and Gyokeres (6.92/10).

Other notable ratings included Riccardo Calafiori (5.56/10) and Ben White (6.79/10).

The VAR review at 88 minutes confirmed Gabriel Jesus’s offside goal, while Kairat’s late goal came after a 90+3 minute header from Ricardinho.

Key substitutions included Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz being replaced at halftime.

In the second half, Christian Norgaard was replaced by Ife Ibrahim, and Gabriel Jesus entered for Noni Madueke.

Brando Bailey-Joseph made his senior debut in the 89th minute.