Mikel Arteta Praises Christian Norgaard's Impact at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta press conference 

Mikel Arteta heaps praise on Christian Norgaard, saying the midfielder has been “fantastic” since joining Arsenal from Brentford.

“It's a great story as well, we tried to sign him much earlier and we had to wait for another two years...”

Mikel Arteta is urging his Arsenal team to bring their A-game against Brentford tonight, saying they need to fight “like animals” to get the win. The Gunners are dealing with a growing injury list, with William Saliba and Leandro Trossard doubtful, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Kai Havertz are out for weeks.

Arteta's squad has been hit hard by injuries, but he's optimistic about getting some key players back soon. Saliba and Trossard are expected back within days, which would be a massive boost for the team. Despite the challenges, Arsenal remains five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The match against Brentford is crucial, and Arteta's expecting his team to bring energy and intensity. “It's an opportunity tomorrow at 7.30pm - everybody, 7.30pm - to be at the Emirates, bouncing and putting energy to win the game,” he said.

He said: “Yeah (it's frustrating), especially how we lost them, with Leo (Trossard) as well as he was in a great moment.

“(Gabi) Martinelli wasn't able to play more than he did on Sunday (at Chelsea). (William) Saliba wasn't able to train either.”

On Saliba, Arteta continued: “The ankle one it was really random and unlucky. He tried at Anfield and he had to stay away. This one as well very bizarre, but hopefully it will be a matter of days.”

Arteta also offered an update on Kai Havertz: “Yeah so he was doing everything, he could not go to the next level. We are all desperate to have him.

Asked for a general update, the manager replied: “Saliba - I am not going to be able to help you much today as we have another training session. He had a little niggle but I think it's going to be a matter of days.

“Trossard? Matter of days. Havertz? Matter of weeks. Gabriel? He's doing very well but that's weeks as well.”

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Urges Fans to 'Fight Like Animals' Against Brentford

Mikel Arteta is calling on Arsenal fans to bring their A-game and create an electric atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium tonight as they take on Brentford. “It's an opportunity tomorrow at 7.30pm - everybody, 7.30pm - to be at the Emirates, bouncing and putting energy to win the game,” Arteta said. “Like animals, everybody at the Emirates, to go again and beat Brentford. That's the opportunity. Vital. Massive.”

Arteta emphasized that motivation isn't an issue for his team, pointing to their strong league position and preparation. However, Arsenal will be without William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, who are out with injuries, while Gabriel and Kai Havertz are still weeks away from returning.

He said: “Brentford bring different threats, different challenges. 

“That’s the opportunity that we have. Like animals, everybody at the Emirates, to go again and beat Brentford. Vital, massive.”

Mikel Arteta's heaping praise on Christian Norgaard, saying the Danish midfielder has been a huge hit at Arsenal since joining in the summer. “He's been fantastic, really impressive,” Arteta said, highlighting Norgaard's impact on the team.

“Well what I saw on the pitch and everything I heard about him as a leader,” he said. “The moment I picked up the phone and spoke to him and he brought something we didn't have in the squad.”

Mikel Arteta provides the latest team news for Arsenal as they prepare to face Brentford, confirming that it's just a 'matter of days' before William Saliba and Leandro Trossard return 🔴 pic.twitter.com/iquPzCwpMd

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 2, 2025

Mikel Arteta Praises Arsenal's Key Players

Mikel Arteta is thrilled with the performance of his team, especially David Raya and Mikel Merino. “He's an amazing goalkeeper,” Arteta said, praising Raya's skills. Merino has also impressed, with Arteta highlighting his versatility, saying, “The example of Mikel (Merino) is the best one, probably,” showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles.

Arteta also commended Christian Norgaard, saying, “Not only the quality, but what he brings... his character, his leadership, how much he wants to be a success here,” demonstrating his appreciation for Norgaard's impact on the team. With these players stepping up, Arsenal is looking strong, currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

“It's a great story as well, we tried to sign him much earlier and we had to wait for another two years. The journey we had together has been phenomenal for us.”

Asked if Merino's goalscoring has surprised him, Arteta said: “As a striker certainly not. I knew he could offer much more than he had. A player that has that amount of curisoity and his will to win. The way he loves his profession. It is difficult to put limits to that.”

Up for the fight. pic.twitter.com/8OlcnFI43q

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 2, 2025

Declan Rice is doing great, but he's got more to give, says Mikel Arteta. “He's doing extremely well, but he can do more,” Arteta said, highlighting Rice's growth since joining Arsenal.

Arteta's impressed with Rice's progress, and he's expecting more from the midfielder. “He's still got room to improve, and he knows that,” Arteta added, emphasizing Rice's potential.

He explained, “I think it's very close to what we believe he could bring to the club, to the team, and the way he could grow. I think he has been incredibly consistent.”