Martin Zubimendi has become an integral member of the Arsenal squad this season following his summer move from Real Sociedad.
Several leading clubs had monitored him for months, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, yet he ultimately chose to join Arsenal. He arrived as a reinforcement in midfield after Jorginho departed, while the club were also unable to reach an agreement over a new contract for Thomas Partey.
As a result, Arsenal required further depth in that area and subsequently moved for Christian Norgaard from Brentford. The Dane had been captain of the Bees and enjoyed a comfortable position at his former club, but he accepted a two-year deal with Arsenal.
Midfield Competition Intensifies
Norgaard’s arrival has added significant Premier League experience to the squad. However, he has not featured as frequently as some would have anticipated. Despite his pedigree and leadership qualities, he has often had to remain patient on the bench.
When called upon, he has generally performed reliably, yet opportunities have not always been forthcoming. There have also been occasions when Zubimendi has delivered below expectations, leading some supporters to question why Norgaard was not introduced to strengthen the side.
Arteta Explains Selection Decisions
Mikel Arteta was asked about the reasoning behind his choices, as reported by Arsenal Media. He said, “We played with Christian, Declan [Rice] has played there as well. We have changed a lot of players in the team. So it’s dependent on the kind of game that we expect, who do we believe is in the best condition physically, mentally, technically and tactically to deliver what we require.”
Arteta’s comments highlight the competitive environment within the squad and reveal the tactical considerations influencing team selection. With multiple midfield options available, decisions are shaped by the demands of each fixture rather than reputation alone, ensuring that Arsenal remain adaptable in their pursuit of success.
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Like I said in a previous post,Zubimendi is the better player and rightly starts but I don’t understand why Norgaard hasn’t played more to rest the Spaniard. There has to something we don’t know because it doesn’t make sense.
It’s the same thing with White who I feel should have played more. Like Zubimendi,Timber has played a lot of minutes.
Arteta must replace his Spaniards with Azzabalanga, Norgaard, and Oldegaard.
The manage is very good at misuse of the abundant resources and his disposal and he is very discriminatory.
He has yet to learn how to handle excellent players who has some small issues with discipline.
If Arsenal does not win ELP, the management should show Arteta the door. He is the weakest link in the team
In today’s game it is only obvious Timber needs to be rested, thus is where Norgaard is needed.
Both games against Brentford and Wolves were going to be very physical, Zubimendi couldn’t cope. Norgaard for me would have been a better option, Arteta messed up big tine starting Zubimendi, what is the point of having depht if you don’t use it, White should have started, Timber was knackered and has been for a while. Over playing some of our players has started to bite us on the arse. It is time to take the handbrake off, the negative dreadful defensive football we have played this year been terrible to watch. But Rice is right the fans have to start backing and pushing the team, some of the atmosphere at The Emirates has been awful, where I sit, there are some right negative c..ts, I have never booed at a game, always cheering. I do my moaning with mates after the game and websites like this one.
Totally agree.
Exactly my observation as well. Arteta is the only challenge against Arsenal
Only Arteta has the answer to this question.
And his answer, didn’t make any sense. Just waffle.
I think Christian Norgaard, Gabriel Jesus, R. Calafiori, and M. Odegaard start in the Spurs match ahead of Zubimendi, Gyokeres, Hincapie, and Eze/Saka, because Saka is now being used in 10 position. I would love if he is to play at the right wing.
Zubimendi and Timber have been over played to the ground. Only Arteta knows why. He has capable alternatives but has refused to use them. May is by the corner. It will determine whether the team implode or not.
When Arsenal reach past minute 60 or 65 Zubimendi tires and becomes a liability, he becomes targeted,being crowded, and ends up committing fouls.The Liverpool goal on day one resulted from.such a foul, he mistimed defending in the Man U 3rd goal, the foul on Xabi today leading to Saka injury, are good examples. Norgaard should come at after minute 65 to replace Zubimendi during the remaining fixtures. He has played too many games in the first sesson in the PL.
Arteta should be wise and start playing every player as anything can happen and fans will blame him for not keeping the rest fit.He might play Zub now but might be surprised if fringe players will be the one tasked to the conclusion of the league and champions league