"He did very well": Mikel Arteta blown away by Arsenal star after 8 recoveries vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped praise on midfielder Christian Norgaard following the club’s penalty shoot-out win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
The Gunners had a brilliant opening half against the Eagles at the Emirates Stadium, and they should have scored two or more goals. Goalkeeper Walter Benitez made some stellar saves.
The second half was a slightly different story with both teams creating an equal number of chances. For the second-straight home game, Arsenal took the lead with the help of an own goal.
Marc Guehi capitalised on a defensive mishap to equalise and sent the game to a penalty shoot-out. Arsenal had eight perfect penalties before Kepa Arrizabalaga denied Maxence Lacroix.
Speaking after the game, Arteta singled out Norgaard for praise after stepping up in the number six position for Martin Zubimendi, who was given a much-needed breather.
The Spanish tactician said that the 31-year-old did ‘very well’ and he is not surprised by the performance, he told reporters: “Very well. He did very, very well. But I’m not surprised.
“When we brought him and we had those discussions, he understood perfectly what his role was. He’s someone that, like Kepa, does everybody around the team much better. And when you need him to play and perform, he does it.”
Norgaard had 87 touches last night and completed 49 passes. He won six duels and made eight ball recoveries, including a crucial one in the box. He also made three clearances.
It was a fine performance from the Dane, who is the backup number six behind Zubimendi. Arteta has been reluctant to use him in the Premier League, with just 14 minutes in his debut season.
Hopefully, we will see more of Norgaard in the league after a solid midfield showing. He may not possess Zubimendi’s ability on the ball, but he has excelled with his defensive contributions.
Arsenal return to league action against Brighton & Hove Albion at home on Saturday. Arteta is poised to make seven to eight changes. Zubimendi will be reinstated as the holding midfielder.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are set to face London rivals Chelsea in a double-legged Carabao Cup semi-final tie. They travel to Stamford Bridge on January 14 before the return leg on February 3.
Stats from Sofascore.com
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