Mikel Arteta believes Kai Havertz can take Arsenal "to a different level" after his return to the starting lineup.
The German started for the Gunners for the first time since February last year as he lined up in midfield for the 3-2 win over Kairat in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Havertz had an assist inside two minutes, playing Viktor Gyokeres through on goal, and then got on the scoresheet himself soon after with a curling finish into the far corner.
There could well have been more assists for Havertz too, as Gyokeres volleyed wide and then inadvertently touched the ball into Gabriel Martinelli's path as he tried to turn the ball into the net from a couple of yards out.
Havertz has only played 30 minutes of Premier League football this season, that sole appearance coming on the opening weekend against Manchester United before he then had knee surgery.
Having now taken the biggest step yet in his return to full fitness, Arteta is confident there is plenty more to come.
"It's going to give him a lot confidence, joy, energy," the Arsenal boss said.
"And to the team as well because the team knows how important Kai is for us, and how he can help the team to be much better and take the team to a different level.
"The fact he was able today to do that after such a long time is very impressive. Bring him on board and make sure that now we use him in the right way because he's going to be very important."
Havertz was replaced at half-time by Martin Odegaard, but Arteta confirmed there were no fitness concerns behind that decision.
"He's fine," Arteta said.
"That's what we planned, 45 minutes. We wanted to start him as well so he could do all the process before in the best possible way. From now on we have to make a decision whether he starts or not in [other] competitions."
Arteta joked he is expecting Havertz to be in his office on Thursday demanding to start against Leeds in the Premier League this weekend.
"For sure wanted to continue playing today so I know what is coming tomorrow," he said.
