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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Havertz scores last gasp goal</li><li>Arsenal beat Brentford 1-0</li><li>Balogun gives German his flowers</li></ul>

Kai Havertz gets his flowers! USMNT star Folarin Balogun leads congratulatory messages to Arsenal forward after he silences critics with crucial winning goal vs Brentford

The Gunners were heading for a drab 0-0 draw away to a plucky Brentford side, when manager Mikel Arteta made a crucial substitution in the 79th minute. Havertz was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/arsenal-player-ratings-brentford-havertz-ramsdale/blt534a66b59f1f7df1" target="_blank">brought on and scored a vital winner</a> with mere minutes remaining, silencing his many critics in the process. The 24-year-old <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kai-havertz-message-arsenal-fans-premier-league-winner-brentford/bltb143d8b27d94b965" target="_blank">took to social media after the vital strike</a> - and his former Arsenal team-mate Balogun was among the many people to send their support in the comments.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The German wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0FOl5EqKmQ/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Instagram</a>: "BIG win on the road!! Thank you for all the support ❤️ Another big game to prepare for now. #COYG". Those in the comments ranged from sporting director Edu Gaspar to Gunners legend Ian Wright, with Balogun summarising Havertz's cool finish with a cold face emoji.<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt017cbf7bcb2072cb/Screenshot_2023-11-26_at_17.09.04.png?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt017cbf7bcb2072cb/Screenshot_2023-11-26_at_17.09.04.png?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt017cbf7bcb2072cb/Screenshot_2023-11-26_at_17.09.04.png?format=jpg" alt="Kai Havertz instagram post Folarin Balogun" data-source="IG: kaihavertz29" data-copyright="IG: kaihavertz29" data-portal-copyright="IG: kaihavertz29" perform:prop="uuid:blt017cbf7bcb2072cb;width:1421;height:833"></picture>

WHAT HAVERTZ AND BALOGUN SAID

Indeed, Havertz's goal was a significant one, particularly on a personal level. The former Chelsea man has failed to live up to his eye-watering £65 million price tag, with a penalty against Bournemouth back in September his only other strike before Saturday's encounter. The German has even been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kai-havertz-left-back-mikel-arteta-follow-julian-nagelsmann-germany-star-defence-arsenal/blt131440665e8e8c28" target="_blank">experimented in a new position by international manager Julian Nagelsmann</a> in an attempt to make the most of his qualities.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The goal was crucial for the Gunners, too, as the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-city-liverpool-winners-losers-erling-haaland-trent-alexander-arnold-jeremy-doku-alisson-premier-league-title-race/blta97d31ae6ff54db3" target="_blank">draw between Manchester City and Liverpool</a> in the day's early kick-off meant Arteta's side climbed to the top of the league with the win. They are in European action next, and will need a draw at home to Lens on Wednesday to secure passage to the Champions League knock-outs.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Kai Havertz gets his flowers! USMNT star Folarin Balogun leads congratulatory messages to Arsenal forward after he silences critics with crucial winning goal vs Brentford | Goal.com

Kai Havertz scored a crucial winner for Arsenal against Brentford on Saturday - and USMNT forward Folarin Balogun was one of many to congratulate him.