Kai Havertz announced his return in style as Arsenal sealed top spot in the Champions League table with a 3-2 win over Kairat Almaty.

The Gunners completed a flawless league phase with eight wins from eight, controlling the contest far more comfortably than the scoreline suggested.

All three Arsenal goals arrived inside the opening 36 minutes at the Emirates, with Viktor Gyokeres, Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli on target.

With qualification already assured, Mikel Arteta rang the changes, handing Havertz his first start since February 2025 after a long injury absence.

The German wasted no time, threading a perfect pass for Gyokeres to score in the second minute, though Kairat stunned the hosts soon after when Jorginho converted a penalty he had won himself.

Havertz restored Arsenal’s lead with a confident left-footed finish after Ben White’s assist, wearing the captain’s armband.

Martinelli made it three following Havertz’s inviting cross, and Arsenal continued to dominate before easing off after the break, allowing Ricardinho to nod in a late consolation.