Mikel Arteta must reintroduce 302-minute star to the starting XI as bizarre Arsenal storyline emerges
Mikel Arteta may need to bring Christian Nørgaard back into Arsenal’s starting XI after his lack of minutes so far this season.
Arsenal’s midfield has been one of the most heavily discussed areas of the pitch this season, especially following the arrivals of Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard in the summer.
The expectation was clear: Zubimendi would push toward the starting Declan Rice XI, while Nørgaard would provide vital depth and allow Declan Rice to avoid being overworked.
Yet as the weeks have passed, the script hasn’t quite unfolded that way. Zubimendi has integrated smoothly — while Nørgaard has barely featured.
His only meaningful appearance came against Brighton, a game in which he admittedly struggled to find rhythm.
But one uneven outing shouldn’t define a player with his Premier League experience, especially when Arsenal are asking Rice to shoulder an enormous physical burden.
Instead, it has raised questions about where Nørgaard stands in Mikel Arteta’s immediate plans — and whether Arsenal are unintentionally shrinking their own squad depth.
Why Nørgaard must re-enter the midfield conversation
When Nørgaard arrived, the reaction within the fanbase and inside the club was universally positive. His intelligence off the ball, press resistance, and tactical discipline made him a natural rotational piece in a title-challenging midfield.
He was billed as the steady presence who could control phases of the game while allowing Rice and Zubimendi to stay fresh.
But Rice has once again become almost undroppable — not because Arteta wants it that way, but because alternatives aren’t being used.
Nørgaard’s experience in high-pressure games should make him a key option in moments where Arsenal need structure, control, or defensive leadership.
He doesn’t need to become a regular starter — he just needs consistent minutes to stay sharp and impactful.
Arteta has always spoken about trusting the full squad.This is precisely the type of situation where that trust needs to be shown.
Using Nørgaard selectively could ease Rice’s workload, maintain midfield balance, and give Arsenal more flexibility during the most demanding periods of the season.
Depth wins titles — but only if it’s used
Arsenal are pushing at the top of the league despite injuries, rotation challenges, and an intense
That resilience is impressive — but it also highlights why leaving players like Nørgaard unused is a risk.
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A title run requires contribution from every angle of the squad, not just the headline stars.
The Dane was signed to be part of that effort, not to watch it from the sidelines.
If Arsenal want to maintain momentum deep into the season, integrating Nørgaard back into the mix may become not just an option — but a necessity.
