Gilberto Silva has lauded one Arsenal player for his improvements under Mikel Arteta this season.

Arsenal face a huge clash at Old Trafford today as they bid to keep their Premier League title hopes firmly on track.

Following Manchester City’s emphatic 4-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, anything less than a victory would likely resign the Gunners to another second-place finish. 

Mikel Arteta’s men head into their clash against Manchester United in fine form, having picked up four consecutive league wins since the defeat to Aston Villa last month.

One player who has proven to be key for Arsenal since the turn of the year is Kai Havertz and the German has earned praise from Gilberto Silva.

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka says one of Mikel Arteta’s signings has been ‘so impressive’ this season 

Silva delivers Havertz verdict ahead of Man United vs Arsenal

It’s no secret that Havertz struggled initially following his switch from Chelsea over the summer.

Arteta had a hard time finding a suitable place for the 24-year-old in his XI. But since his move up front, Havertz has excelled.

Indeed, he’s netted eight times and provided five assists in 2024 and Silva has highlighted his improvement this season. 

“He is playing a different role from what he normally did in the past, but he’s been brilliant,” the former Arsenal man told The Mirror. “When you come from Chelsea to Arsenal, some people believed that it’s not Arsenal’s style. He can’t fit into the team.

“It was a little bit difficult for him at the start, and also for Mikel to find his best position. But slowly, with patience and trying, try again, they both have found it. Kai has been a team player, and, despite his early struggles, performed so well.”

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta shares Gabriel Jesus plans amid recent lack of Arsenal game time 

Havertz set for key role in Premier League title race

Not many would have predicted Havertz to be such an important part of Arsenal’s title hopes after his difficult start to life in north London.

But such has been his impact in recent weeks, you’d expect the German to lead the line at Old Trafford today.

His goals could prove to be vital in Arsenal’s push for the title and he’s stepped up at the perfect time for the Gunners.

The former Chelsea star has also matched Alexis Sanchez’s achievement in the 2016-17 season by scoring and assisting in four-plus league games this term.

With Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggling for goals, it felt vital that someone stepped up to provide in the final third. 

Havertz has proven to be that player for Arsenal and his all-round game has also benefitted the likes of Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.