Mikel Arteta says Arsenal duo Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga have impressed him despite seeing little action | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga for their attitude this season.

Arrizabalaga has yet to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal since joining from Chelsea last summer, while Norgaard has played just 31 minutes in the league.

David Raya remains the first-choice in goal for the club, playing every minute of the league and Champions League campaign this term.

Norgaard also has plenty of options ahead of him in the pecking order and could struggle for regular playing opportunities going forward.

However, both players have continued to impress Arteta behind the scenes. He also praised Viktor Gyokeres.

“My judgement on a player is understanding how he’s fulfilling his role,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “Kepa? Ten out of ten. Unbelievable. Christian Norgaard? Unbelievable.

“Viktor? Very good. Okay, he can score more goals, but all the other aspects are extraordinary.

“The same with Mikel Merino. Declan Rice is doing incredibly well, but he’s playing a lot of minutes, when somebody else is playing fewer minutes. Mikel then has to play as a nine – it’s extraordinary.

“The things that are non-negotiable are the attitude, the energy, the willingness to win, to support the team, all this has to be done.”

Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League title this term after going five points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

They can establish an eight-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa with a home victory over Liverpool tonight.

The competition for playing time within the squad has been fierce, but no one has been throwing tantrums for not getting on the pitch.

Everyone has maintained a united front, which will be crucial as the Gunners look to win their first title since 2004.