LONDON – Kai Havertz has emerged as an unlikely key man in Arsenal's bid for their first English Premier League title for 20 years, producing the kind of performances that made him one of Europe's most sought-after attacker – but lacked earlier this season.

The former Chelsea player looked like a square peg in a round hole in his first couple of months in an Arsenal shirt and took 10 appearances to mark his first goal.

But he is now proving to be the fulcrum in Arsenal’s attack and scored his side’s second goal in a 3-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion that sent them back to the top on April 6.

It took his tally to 10 goals in all competitions for the Gunners, and the German will play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s attempt to edge out Manchester City and Liverpool in the title race.

“He’s certainly having a huge impact on the team. His overall performances have been really good and now his numbers for goal contributions are really high,” said manager Mikel Arteta. “He needs to maintain that.

“I think his understanding with the attacking players was superb. I think they had real purpose and connection and a lot of clarity on where to attack and we created many chances.”

Havertz was voted man of the match at Brighton, a far cry from the beginning of the season, when his role looked unclear and Arsenal’s fans were slow to warm to him.

“Obviously he is in a very different moment. He has some fantastic players around him and we have tried to create the right environment for him,” Arteta said of the 24-year-old.

“I think it’s very important for any player, that they feel confident and we hopefully give him the love he needs. He has the admiration of the rest of the players and staff at the club and now the supporters of our club, for sure.”

With some tough away games to come, including a trip to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the month, Arsenal's form on the road gives cause for optimism.

They have not conceded in five away games and have scored 20 goals in those league games, but the win at Brighton was especially impressive as the south coast side had not lost at home since August.

“This is a really, really tough place to come and win but also in the manner and the formula we have done it,” Arteta said. “Hopefully, yes, we can carry on doing what we are doing.”

Brighton started strongly but Arsenal soon settled, and Bukayo Saka converted a penalty in the 33rd minute after Tariq Lamptey was adjudged to have clipped Gabriel Jesus in the area.

Arsenal were a constant threat going forward and the away fans were in full voice after Havertz scored from close range from Jorginho’s cut back in the 62nd minute.

Former Brighton player Leandro Trossard, on as a substitute, wrapped up the points late after being played through on goal by Havertz.

Said Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi: “We played a good first half and until the second goal, we were in the game.

“But at this moment without so many important players it is tough to create too many chances to score. We played a good game but without (creating) big chances.”

Brighton put the final nail in the coffin of Arsenal’s title hopes last season as the Gunners suffered a late-season collapse. But Arteta’s side are in relentless form.

They showed their character on March 31 with a gritty 0-0 draw at Manchester City.

Saka said Arsenal have learned a lot from last season’s failed attempt to stop City.

“This year we are more comfortable and I think the team is better,” the 22-year-old said. “I feel like we are ready for each game to win.” REUTERS