Arsenal broke a Champions League record vs Slavia Prague, and it’s all thanks to Christian Norgaard

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During the Champions League win over Slavia Prague, Arsenal were shown exactly why they signed Christian Norgaard.

For only the third time this season, Norgaard was named in the starting XI, but this occasion was special. 

At the age of 31, the summer signing made his full Champions League debut against Slavia Prague, replacing the suspended Martin Zubimendi in midfield. 

Before the game, Slavia Prague’s manager was relieved that Zubimendi wasn’t playing; however, he might’ve had a different thought upon seeing Norgaard take his place. 

• READ MORE: What Mikel Arteta was ‘animatedly’ instructing Ethan Nwaneri to do in Arsenal’s Champions League clash

Christian Norgaard was so impressive against Slavia Prague

Norgaard’s goal for the season is to play regularly, so he’ll be delighted to have earned a start against Slavia Prague. 

The former Brentford captain certainly made his presence known at the Fortuna Arena, sparking a passage of play that led to a rapid goal after the interval.

Seconds after the whistle blew, Norgaard won back possession in midfield with great authority, but what he did next was even more impressive.

The Dane needed no time at all to play the ball forward, sweeping play onto Declan Rice and two passes later, Arsenal’s lead was doubled. 

Rice played the ball out to Leandro Trossard, and the Belgian put it on a plate for Mikel Merino.

It was a special goal that Slavia had barely any time to react to, all thanks to Norgaard’s proactive approach.

Arsenal made Champions League history with Mikel Merino’s goal

The goal wasn’t only superb because of the manner in which it was scored, but also because of what it meant for Arsenal’s history books. 

As Merino found the net just 35 seconds after the restart, his goal went down as the fastest that Arsenal have scored after half-time in a Champions League match.

Any guidance Slavia were given at half-time was undone in seconds, all starting because of Norgaard’s ability to snuff out the danger.

It’s becoming a record-breaking season for Arsenal already, with the Gunners knowing no limits with their remarkable start to what could be a memorable 2025/26 campaign.