Christian Norgaard makes Arsenal attacking promise ahead of Newcastle amid Nick Woltemade warning

Christian Norgaard believes that his side can claim all three points at Newcastle despite Arsenal’s struggles in their trip to Liverpool and home draw with Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta has come in for some criticism regarding his selection in both games, particularly the midfield three. Norgaard has watched from the sidelines in the league but started his first match in an Arsenal shirt at Port Vale in midweek.

“I think the boss will have a good way of describing it in the upcoming days,” he said when asked about the task of getting a result in the cauldron of noise that is St James’ Park.

“It's a very tough place to go. We never managed to win there with Brentford either. But we need to trust ourselves and, like we said, if we want to also keep competing in all competitions.

“Every game is about taking it, it's about trying to win them. We know it will be very difficult but we believe we can get three points there.”

Martin Zubimendi will be expected to return to the number six role that Norgaard occupied on Wednesday. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard furthermore expected to come in with Mikel Merino back on the bench.

Merino’s presence in the midfield against Liverpool and Manchester City prompted accusations of caution in Arteta’s direction. Norgaard however is clear on how he feels his teammates have approached both matches.

“I think that's a hard one to answer. I think we've been going for it a lot in those games, particularly at the weekend.

"I know we equalised late, but I think we were the dominant side, looking over 90 minutes. With more chances, with more momentum.
“Sometimes xG [expected goals] doesn't show the right picture always. That could have created a lot of chances for some of the attacks that we had in the game.

“I think we are an attacking team with an attacking mindset. Hopefully that will also show in the next couple of games.”

Alexander Isak has been a difference-maker for the Magpies in this particular affair. Now no longer on Tyneside, Eddie Howe has invested in two new forwards. While Norgaard’s former Brentford teammate Yoanne Wissa will not be fit, he is still very familiar with and has praised German striker Nick Woltemade.

“I mean, they've invested in two weapons, Woltemade and Wissa,” he said. Adding: “I know Woltemade is a good striker as well, and he will give them a different type of striker. But without Isak, Newcastle and St James' back will always be difficult.”

Arsenal’s own new centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres, like Woltemade, is still getting to grips with his new teammates and a new league.

However, Norgaard was confident that once adjusted, the squad will be full steam ahead toward their title goals.

“The players, the talent is unbelievable,” he said. “There's so much quality in the team. Now it's just about getting it to click. I'm sure it will, and then we'll be flying.”

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