Kai Havertz believes Arsenal are poised to turn their growing resilience into major silverware after his dramatic late winner against Sporting CP put the club in control of their Champions League quarterfinal.

Introduced from the bench in Lisbon, Havertz struck in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 victory, a result that steadied Arsenal after a bruising spell in domestic cup competitions. The German forward’s intervention not only preserved the club’s unbeaten European campaign but also reinforced their status as contenders on multiple fronts.

Arsenal had arrived in Portugal under scrutiny. Hopes of a historic four-trophy haul had been punctured by defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and a shock FA Cup exit to Championship side Southampton. Questions over their mentality and depth resurfaced just as the season entered its decisive phase.

Havertz framed the win as a psychological turning point. “It is a big turnaround for us because we lost the last two matches. So we wanted to get a turnaround today and we made that happen. We stick together as a group, we have so much more to come this season. There are seven weeks to go, we can win big titles and we’re going to go for that.”

Manager Mikel Arteta echoed that sense of renewal, arguing that the performance in Lisbon showed Arsenal rediscovering their core principles after a turbulent run. He highlighted the relentless expectations surrounding his side, noting that anything short of constant victory is framed as failure, and urged a measure of perspective while insisting his players remain fully committed to the demands of the campaign.

Central to the win was goalkeeper David Raya, whose string of crucial saves kept Sporting at bay before Havertz’s decisive strike. Raya denied Geny Catamo with a superb late stop and then produced a sharp double save to thwart Catamo and Luis Suarez in quick succession.

Havertz was unequivocal in his praise. “For me, the last two seasons, he’s the best keeper in the world. He has saved us so many times.”

With a commanding position in Europe and a healthy lead in the Premier League, Arsenal’s season now hinges on whether such nights of narrow, hard-earned victory can be converted into the “big titles” Havertz insists are within reach.