Palmer vs Havertz: Whose goal contributions in 2024 have won more points?

Cole Palmer and Kai Havertz have played pivotal parts in their respective clubs’ tussle for different Premier League targets in 2023-24. 

The Chelsea man has carried the can for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, keen to end in the continental positions, with the former Blues player rising to the occasion since Mikel Arteta eschewed the initial plan to play him in a midfield role for Arsenal.

Havertz has thrived playing as the frontman for the table-topping North London side, already matching his total assists tally at Chelsea (seven) in just 36 Premier League games at Arsenal. For context, the Germany international hit that number after 91 games at the West London club. 

Considering 2024 alone, Havertz has been involved in 14 goals for the title-chasing side, surpassing his 13 throughout 2022.

His latest came against Manchester United on Sunday, as the Gunners claimed their first win at Old Trafford in front of supporters since September 2006, thus returning to the top of the table after Manchester City’s win at Fulham 24 hours earlier. 

Only Palmer has outdone the ex-Chelsea man’s contributions since the turn of the year. 

The Premier League Player of the Year nominee has almost singlehandedly dragged Pochettino’s men back into the Europa League jostle in 2024, producing important goals and assists.

His latest one came at Nottingham Forest, slipping Mykhaylo Mudryk in with a well-weighted pass for the Ukrainian’s first away goal since October 2023. 

That took Palmer to double figures in goals and assists, emulating Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard’s feat in the title-winning 2009-10 campaign. The former Manchester City man is up to 19 direct involvements in 2024, outdoing every player in the league with Havertz five behind. 

Palmer’s 19 goals plus assists have come in 11 matches since the turn of the year, while Havertz’s return has been notched in nine. 

The Chelsea player unsurprisingly leads the in-form Arsenal man for points won via direct contributions leading to goals, with the German’s 10 five fewer than the 22-year-old. 

Palmer and Chelsea continue their battle for sixth when they travel to Brighton on Wednesday, with Newcastle United hosting Manchester United before concluding the season at Stamford Bridge. 

As for Arsenal, Havertz should start on the final day when Arteta’s men host Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners hope for a favour from their North London rivals, who take on Pep Guardiola’s men on Tuesday, with a Spurs victory or a draw seeing Arsenal keep their place atop the Premier League table.