Christian Norgaard hopes Mikel Arteta was watching as he completed 90 minutes for Denmark on Sunday, sending a clear message that he is ready for more game time at Arsenal.
Rasmus Hojlund, Joachim Andersen, and Mikkel Damsgaard were all on target as Denmark secured a 3-1 win over Greece in World Cup qualifying. Norgaard returned to the starting XI and played the full match, after previously coming on as a substitute against Belarus.
The 31-year-old has been battling a knee problem in recent weeks, missing Denmark’s previous two qualifiers and struggling to make an impact at Arsenal since joining from Brentford for £15 million this summer. So far, he has featured just twice for the Gunners and is yet to make his Premier League debut this season.
Speaking after the match, Norgaard said:
“It was so nice, I made it. There’s nothing greater than walking into the stadium for an international match with a full crowd singing the national anthem. My family were nearly all there watching—it was a special evening.”
The Danish midfielder hopes his performance proves his readiness to Arteta:
“It’s important to get these minutes to show the club I can handle the games. Considering how few minutes I’ve played with Arsenal, there were no flaws or cramps. Hopefully the coach is at home watching.”
When asked about increasing his game-time at Arsenal, Norgaard added:
“Time will tell. We have many talented players, and there are many matches across the Carabao Cup, Champions League, and Premier League. I hope I get the chance to play more so I’m in a better position for the next international matches.”
Denmark remain well placed to qualify for next year’s World Cup, topping Group C above Scotland on goal difference. Norgaard and his teammates will resume qualifying away to Belarus, with a potentially decisive match at Hampden Park to follow.
Reflecting on Denmark’s performance against Greece, he said:
“I’m really happy we got the three points. We gave away a little too much at times, but it’s important to win matches like this. There are periods we couldn’t control the game fully, but we were really good when we were at our best.”
For Norgaard, the focus is now on continuing to prove his fitness and readiness for Arsenal as the season progresses.
