Mikel Arteta has some difficult decisions to make ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Brentford on Wednesday.
Things couldn’t be going much better for the Gunners who are sitting top of the Premier League and top of the Champions League league phase following an electric start to the season. For the North London side, things could hardly be going better right now.
The last week has been a huge plus, securing victories over fierce rivals Tottenham, Bayern Munich in the Champions League and then earning a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, but that week has taken a toll on a squad who need to rest if they’re to sustain their current form.
Christian Norgaard Must Start Against Brentford
Arsenal’s form can’t be questioned right now and neither can the performances of their players. Each member of Arteta’s regular starting XI have exceeded expectations this term and deserves huge credit. However, the need for squad rotation is so important as we move towards the Christmas period.
One player who deserves the chance to shine is Christian Norgaard. The midfielder, who earns £81,250 per week, joined from Brentford over the summer where he was a key player under now-Tottenham boss Thomas Frank. Unfortunately for him, opportunities have been limited at the Emirates Stadium having started just three games so far this term.
Even more depressingly, Norgaard has played just 14 minutes of Premier League football in what has been a difficult few months for him.
Norgaard Could Be A Valuable Player For Arteta
It’s hard to claim that the 31-year-old deserves to be a regular starter for Arsenal with stars such as Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi strutting their stuff week in, week out. That said, he’s certainly capable of flourishing against the Premier League’s lesser sides.
Norgaard could be vital against a side like Brentford. His involvement would ensure that the Gunners have enough quality to win the game, while also offering Rice or Zubimendi the opportunity for a much-needed rest.
If the midfielder can perform against Brentford, then he could prove to be a top asset for Arteta as they look to challenge for silverware. If he doesn’t feature against the Bees, questions must surely be asked about why Arsenal signed him in the first place.
The only fixtures where he’s played 90 minutes have been against Slavia Prague in the Champions League, as well as against Port Vale and Brighton in the EFL Cup. If he isn’t deemed capable of starting against his former club then surely Arteta must be having second thoughts on his credential to play a part for the Gunners.