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ARSENAL vs WIGAN ATHLETIC: Christian Norgaard is relishing the return of FA Cup action as the Gunners seek to respond following Thursday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Brentford
Arsenal are already looking forward to next month's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City - but Christian Norgaard still fancies booking more trips to Wembley.
The Denmark international, who is playing an unsung role behind the scenes for Mikel Arteta's Premier League leaders, is relishing the return of FA Cup action this weekend.
He's found minutes hard to come by since signing from Brentford in a shock initial £10million transfer but when asked if the collective target is another showpiece final and potentially silverware, Norgaard responded enthusiastically: "Yeah, absolutely. That would be amazing.
"We want to fire on all cylinders in every competition and with this depth we have in the squad right now it is possible. But that takes a lot of focus, concentration and respect for these kinds of games."
Even if it's only a few days before next Wednesday's trip to Wolves, Arsenal now put their title bid to one side following Thursday's frustrating 1-1 draw at Brentford.
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Norgaard, however, insists the Gunners are not only relaxed but satisfied with their situation as they seek to keep cool heads in their bid to oust rivals Manchester City.
He continued: "I think there are still so many positives for us to talk about when it comes to the Premier League. We are in an amazing situation.
"But we spoke about it before, the cup games are fantastic as well. An FA Cup game at home is going to be amazing, so hopefully we can also progress in that tournament."
The Dane is adamant Arsenal cannot overlook fourth-round opponents Wigan Athletic, who recently parted company with boss Ryan Lowe.
Norgaard is keen to stress that both he and his team-mates cannot take their foot off the gas against the Latics, explaining: "Mindset is very important.
"We have seen it all already this season, where there have been games that we have gone in as huge favourites and still had difficulties getting into the game. So this game demands a lot of respect, just like any other."
While the versatile and experienced defensive midfielder has only made seven starts this season to date in all competitions, he is still a highly valued and respected member of the Arsenal dressing room.
So much so, Leandro Trossard recently identified Norgaard as the club's integral standard-setter.
The humble 31-year-old was chuffed to receive such praise, adding: "Of course, that is always nice to hear from a player of his calibre.
"It started a few years back, when I was at Brentford. I do it more for myself and if people follow it, or look at it, that’s amazing.
"Hopefully, I can help players start doing these things at a younger age. That would have definitely benefited me if I had started earlier."
Norgaard, who first moved to England in 2019, doesn't have many recollections of the FA Cup and he did not know that Wigan won the competition back in 2013 when they defeated City 1-0 at Wembley.
He revealed with a smile: "No, I don’t [remember it] unfortunately. It’s good you’ve said it, as now I can read about it!
"It’s a tough competition. I don’t remember too much of it from when I was young - it was more the Denmark and Spanish leagues. But I know it is a historic tournament, and hopefully we are going to go far in it."
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