Mikel Arteta has drawn the ire of Arsenal fans, who have questioned his handling of Christian Norgaard after a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon. Emiliano Buendia's last-gasp winner handed the Gunners just their second defeat of the Premier League campaign.
Unai Emery's Villans moved to within three points of the league leaders and put a dent in Arteta's aim to finally get his hands on the title. Matty Cash had put the hosts ahead, but Leandro Trossard stepped off the bench at half-time to equalise.
Arteta will hate the sight of Villa, as Buendia's winner means they have lost six league games against today's opponents during the manager's six years in charge. But some of his own fanbase are calling out his in-game management at Villa Park.
Aston Villa 2-1 Arsenal - Arteta Playing 'Pointless' With Norgaard
Norgaard
Arsenal were second best in the first half but responded to falling behind in the second half with an onslaught that led to Trossard's equaliser. It wasn't the best of days for a Gunners midfield that has earned plaudits throughout the season.
Arteta turned to his bench on five occasions, opting to freshen up in attack with the likes of Trossard, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke. But the Spaniard resisted using Norgaard, who may have given his side more composure in the middle of the park in the latter stages.
Norgaard arrived from Brentford in the summer in a £12 million deal, but started the season injured. His return to action hasn't amounted to much game time, as he's only been handed two Premier League appearances, totalling 14 minutes on the pitch.
The 31-year-old is a workhorse who was crucial in the Thomas Frank era at Brentford and was seen as a decent piece of business given the exits of Jorginho and Thomas Partey in the summer. He can't get a look in and Arteta is playing a dangerous game neglecting the Dane.
Declan Rice picked up a knock in his side's 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday but managed to recover in time for today's game. He was one of his side's better performers today but it's a long season and the intense fixture schedule will be a concern.
Norgaard could have at least replaced Rice or Martin Zubimendi in the closing stages to at least try and help his side come away from the East Midlands with a point. One has to wonder whether his signing was rushed to try and ensure a replacement for Jorginho and Partey was sealed before wrapping up the Zubimendi deal.
Neglecting Norgaard - Fans Puzzled
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There hasn't been much for Arsenal fans to complain about this season, but some weren't too happy to see Norgaard remain on the bench for the entirety of the loss to Villa. It was clear his role was to be a rotational option but Arteta doesn't seem to trust the experienced Danish midfielder.
One fan suggested Norgaard's profile will have benefitted the North Londoners late on:
"Norgaard has been the most pointless signing ever. Maybe a 6ft DM might be handy in these situations."
Another supporter was bemused:
"Telling me Norgaard can’t come on when the midfield is absolutely on its arse in games like this?"
One is trying to work out why the Dane was signed:
"Don't really understand Norgaard's signing. I really like him as a player and those last 15 minutes needed some experience in settling things down. But if you're not going to use a player during the business end of the season, why sign him?"
Another pointed out risking injuries to Rice or Zubimendi:
"If Norgaard can’t get even 10 mins in 3 games in a space of 10 days then why is he here? He doesn’t trust him and he will bring him in only when Rice or Zubi get an injury. And how he is handling them they will soon get one."
One pointed out a recurring theme:
"Our midfield has had legit nothing left at the end of the games for a month straight and Norgaard is not even an option."
Arteta will want a response from his side when they travel to Belgium on Wednesday (December 10) for UEFA Champions League action against Club Brugge. This is the kind of game you expect to see him rest one of his starting midfielders and that could mean Norgaard makes just his third start of the season.
"Here To Contribute" - Norgaard on Joining Arsenal
There wasn't much of a red carpet rolled out for Norgaard when he joined Arsenal but he was thrilled to make the move to the Emirates. He was aware that it was going to be a challenge earning a regular role in Arteta's team but wanted to contribute.
The former Brentford man said in a press conference back in July:
"I’m realistic, of course. I know this is a step up in terms of quality and size of the club. But I’m also here to contribute, of course, otherwise I wouldn’t have made the move."
He added:
“I also know that there are some of the best players in the world in my position here. So it’ll be competitive."
Norgaard was a star man at Brentford who was one of the first names on Frank's teamsheet and his consistency often saw him heralded as one of the best holding midfielders in the league. His limited opportunities so far with the Gunners may just start to be a worry for the Dane.