Christian Norgaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Christian Norgaard marked his first appearance at Emirates Stadium with a goal as Arsenal fell to a 3-2 pre‑season defeat against Villarreal, but the Danish midfielder insists the team must sharpen up before the new Premier League campaign kicks off.
The 31‑year‑old, who joined from Brentford this summer, described his debut strike as “a big moment” but admitted the result took the shine off the occasion. “It was fantastic walking onto the pitch knowing you’re an Arsenal player,” Norgaard said.
“I’ve tried it a few times as an opponent, but it’s a lot more fun wearing the Arsenal shirt. Scoring was great too, though I couldn’t enjoy it as much because of the scoreline. There are still things we need to improve before the season starts.”
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Norgaard, renowned for his set‑piece threat at Brentford, where nine of his 11 Premier League goals came from dead‑ball situations, showed his knack again with a well‑timed header. His arrival is part of Arsenal’s busy summer, with six new signings joining Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Christian Norgaard v Villareal
Christian Norgaard made his Emirates Stadium debut against Villareal (Image credit: Getty Images)
“It’s nice not being the only new guy in the class,” Norgaard added. “Everyone’s been really welcoming. Having David Raya here as a familiar face has made it even easier to settle in.”
Arteta has long admired the former Brentford captain for his tactical intelligence, leadership, and physical presence, qualities the Arsenal manager believes will help balance a midfield reshaped by the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey. “Christian is a strong midfielder with excellent tactical awareness and versatility,” Arteta said earlier this summer. “He also brings experience and intelligence, which give us added depth.”
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Norgaard’s defensive nous and set‑piece prowess could be vital as Arsenal aim to challenge for trophies. His 201 interceptions since 2021 are the most by any Premier League player in that period, and last season he scored five league goals, four of them from set pieces.
Despite his positive start, Norgaard’s focus remains on collective progress. “I’ve really enjoyed my first month here, and hopefully there’s plenty more good months to come,” he said. “The important thing now is to be ready as a team when the season begins.”
Arsenal open their Premier League campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford in just over a week’s time.
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