One of the main discussion points after Arsenal’s win over Wigan in the FA Cup was seeing Bukayo Saka play in central midfield.
Arsenal fans loved seeing Saka play in midfield, as Mikel Arteta surprised everyone by starting the winger alongside Eberechi Eze and Christian Norgaard.
It later became apparent that Arteta had planned to use Saka centrally for some time, and against Wigan, he gave fans a taster of how the future could look.
No-nonsense attacking football was on show against Wigan, which had less to do with Wigan’s quality and more to do with the change of personnel in midfield.
Who would Christian Norgaard replace if he were to start more for Arsenal?
Arsenal must bench Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi against Wolves to continue midfield test
Norgaard’s passing was unbelievable, as instead of taking the patient and cautious approach that we so often see from Arsenal, the Dane fired long-ball after long-ball over the top.
Norgaard’s performance and desire to play quickly had a ripple effect on Eze and Saka, who kept the tempo up when the ball transitioned from defence to attack.
Eze’s two assists against Wigan came as a result of playing with free rein and taking risks, which must continue against Wolves.
Would it be naive or smart for Mikel Arteta to test his new midfield against Wolves?
Arsenal have to beat Wolves at Molineux, given how many points they’ve dropped recently, which emphasises the need for an unpredictable starting XI.
Rice is a match-winner, so his exclusion might have fans asking why, but with the North London Derby fast approaching, and having played seven consecutive 90 minutes in the league, the midfielder needs a rest.
In the case of Zubimendi, rest would also be appreciated, as should competition, as Norgaard has shown that he has something to prove in this Arsenal squad.
It’s time for Arteta to move away from playing safe and cautious football, and what better chance than to test his new-look midfield against lesser Premier League opposition?
Christian Norgaard has to start against Wolves
It’s one thing to have the rotation to ensure players get rest, and another to utilise it to promote healthy competition in the squad.
For Arteta, the writing is on the wall to get the best out of his players, in this case, specifically Zubimendi and Norgaard.
Do you think Christian Norgaard could challenge Martin Zubimendi as a starter at Arsenal?
Honest answers only
Norgaard deserves to start against Wolves; there are no two ways about it, therefore, he must.
The Arsenal manager must show that he’s able to fully control his incredible squad, which means daringly dropping his usual starters to applaud good performance elsewhere.
In turn, it only makes Arsenal more unpredictable, which is needed.
It would be brilliant to see Arteta start Norgaard against Wolves, but does the boss have the courage to do so?
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