Christian Norgaard is preparing to return to the Gtech Community Stadium for the first time since leaving Brentford for Arsenal.
It was a tough summer for the Bees, who lost their captain, Norgaard, and their two superstars, Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.
What seemed like a catastrophic hit at the time has proven to be a mere blip, as Keith Andrews has his current Brentford side in contention for a European finish.
Brentford have only lost twice at home all season, and Arsenal will know that ahead of their trip, with Norgaard surely set to give his teammates the lowdown on his former club.
What changes would you make to our predicted Arsenal XI vs Brentford? 👀
Christian Norgaard’s feedback for Arsenal at Brentford goes full circle
It might not seem like it, but Norgaard is one of the most important players in the Arsenal squad.
Despite not playing a lot, there’s a reason why Mikel Arteta recruited the Dane from Brentford in the summer, one being how impressive his Premier League career has been.
It was only last season that Norgaard headed to the Emirates with Brentford and took a point back to the Gtech Community Stadium.
After the game, the midfielder spoke about how impressive it was for the Bees to get a result at the Emirates, noting that even when the Gunners had something to play for, they couldn’t beat Brentford.
“We need more points to get above halfway and challenge for other things, but this is a tough place to come.
“The biggest club in the world [Real Madrid] came here the other night and got nothing, so to take a point when they [Arsenal] still had something to play for is a very good result.”
What seemed like a simple piece of feedback at the time has now gone full circle, as if anything, Norgaard’s words should now be considered as a warning to Arsenal.
Brentford have taken points from Arteta before when a lot is at stake, and they could do it again, at a time when the title race is really ramping up the pressure.
Keith Andrews praised Mikel Arteta’s impact at Arsenal ahead of Brentford clash
Both Arteta and Andrews will be fighting for three points at a crucial time in the season, but before the whistle blows, the two bosses showed a lot of respect for one another.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Andrews didn’t hold back when sharing what he thinks of Arteta’s journey to get Arsenal to where they are.
“I’ve got ultimate respect for the way that Mikel Arteta sets up his team and the way he goes about his business,” Andrews said.
If you had one message for Mikel Arteta ahead of facing Brentford, what would it be?
“The journey that he’s brought the team on, and the mentality that he’s instilled in the group.”
The Irishman was complimentary of the Arsenal manager, and the boss gave it back.
“It’s another tough game,” Arteta said of the clash at the Gtech.
“We know [Brentford] at home as well, the last few results they have had, the coaching staff have been amazing. So, credit to them, because they’re a top side.”
It’s set to be a fixture to behold on Thursday night, as both teams fight for three points to add to the board.
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