Christian Norgaard aiming for Arsenal impact after injury return ramps up | OneFootball

Summer signing eager to rediscover his pre-season momentum after making first Gunners start following knee issue

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Norgaard featured regularly for Arsenal during pre-season, but then sat out the opening weeks of the new campaign due to a knee problem.

“That (starting) was obviously an amazing feeling,” he said. “I’ve been waiting a long time for it.

“I had a taste of it in pre-season and then unfortunately had the injury. So I had to wait a bit, but today was a nice experience, even though it was a tough game. But we got the job done in the end.

“It’s been frustrating [being injured], but I think also you need to look at it as it could have been a lot worse as well. I missed three games, which is not the end of the world.

“I had a lot of momentum. I felt like in the pre-season, I played a lot of minutes and did really well. But then now it’s about getting back to rhythm again. Getting some minutes like today is amazing for me, getting closer to the level I know I can produce.

“I’m not quite there yet, but hopefully more minutes now with a new game as well [against Brighton]. There will be games all the time, so it’s just about being available and I think the minutes will come my way.”

Norgaard was one of nine changes made by manager Mikel Arteta against League One team Port Vale, though Arsenal still fielded a strong side.

Bukayo Saka and William Saliba were among those to start, with Norgaard admitting he has never experienced such strong squad depth.

“Not even by a mile,” he said. “When you saw the lineup we put out, we’re resting a lot of players, but I still think the starting eleven could be very competitive from a league side.

“I think it’s the depth we need to have to be able to compete in all competitions. People know that they will get their minutes as long as they stay fit and available. It’s honestly an amazing group to be a part of, both on a personal level but also on a talent level.”

Norgaard also heaped praise on Arteta, echoing Declan Rice’s words two years ago when he said he was “seeing football in a completely different way” after joining Arsenal.

“I agree with him,” said Norgaard. “It is different than what I’ve been used to, but it’s brilliant how his mind works and the way he wants us to play.

“It’s very demanding on a physical level and also on a tactical level. So sometimes I still don’t know exactly the things I do, but of course being out there, trying to execute it will always help.

“Now 90 minutes in the bank for me and another learning experience as well to get the tactical stuff a bit more under the skin.”