Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta thinks Kai Havertz can take his game to another level after his recent performances.

After a great start to the 2023/24 season, Havertz has got off to a flying start in the new one. He scored 14 goals and provided seven assists last season, and his performances have continued to integrate him into the Arsenal family. At the beginning of the new season, he still plays a pivotal role in the team's midfield and frontcourt.

The German international scored the equaliser in Arsenal's 3-1 comeback win over Southampton on Saturday, taking his goal tally this season to six in 11 games. He also played a big part in Saka's goal at the end, using his body to win the ball for the team and passing it before he fell to the ground to make sure the counterattack went smoothly.

Havertz has now scored in four games in a row, and he's also scored in seven consecutive games at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta thinks there's been a shift in Havertz's approach and that he still has room for improvement.

"When he was training, he wanted more. He wasn't happy with what he did because I think there's another level to him," Arteta told reporters in his post-match press conference (via Arsenal's official website).

"He's surrounded by great players, but there's something different about him now. You can really feel the confidence, and he's putting that into games and winning games, which is great."

Arteta was full of praise for Kai Havertz's "football brain." Given that Havertz isn't a traditional striker, his goal-scoring performance is even more impressive. After trying out different tactical positions for Havertz last season, he's been improving all the time. He'll probably take on more of the attacking and link-up duties while captain Ødegaard is out with an injury.

Arteta also said that Havertz's "football brain" as an attacking midfielder gives him another dimension that is a nightmare for defenders.

"You can see he's more confident now. He's taking the ball and running with it," the Spaniard added.

He's under a lot of pressure, but he's giving it his all. You can see it in the way he holds the ball and his positioning in the box. He's an attacking midfielder, he plays as a number nine, you never know where he'll pop up – that's his football brain. "His focus now is on winning the game and doing whatever it takes to make that happen. It's a completely different mindset."