Mikel Arteta praises one Arsenal summer signing, he’s showing leadership after just two games

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Arsenal have teed up a Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion after beating Port Vale 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Mikel Arteta named a strong Arsenal side to face Port Vale, with Bukayo Saka’s inclusion leaving Jamie Redknapp stunned.

Summer signing Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal, before Leandro Trossard added another late on.

Arsenal toiled against the League One side for much of the game and managed just four shots on target from 81% of possession.

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Mikel Arteta shares verdict on Arsenal’s Christian Norgaard

Arteta is coming in for criticism over his style of play and his inability to produce flowing football from some top attacking talent.

The Gunners boss will take the win and move on, and will feel that the game provided a great chance for some players to pick up valuable minutes.

Christian Norgaard fits that bill, having come in for his first Arsenal start since joining from Brentford over the summer.

Norgaard picked up an injury early in the season and has been forced to wait for a major chance in the Arsenal side.

Arteta hailed Norgaard’s late impact against Athletic Club in last week’s Champions League victory, and was similarly impressed against Port Vale.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Arteta admitted loving the leadership Norgaard provides in midfield.

This was only Norgaard’s second appearance, but it’s clear that he is becoming a leader in this Arsenal team, with Arteta praising his impact.

“Not only the quality, but what he brings… his character, his leadership, how much he wants to be a success here,” said Arteta.

“I’m really happy with him and a lot of players that haven’t played many minutes,” he added.

Christian Norgaard will be a key man in Arsenal’s cup competitions

Arsenal snapped up Norgaard from Brentford as a replacement for Jorginho, who departed for Flamengo.

The Dane is unlikely to seriously push Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice for a starting role, but he is a player Arteta knows he can count on when needed.

Ultimately, Norgaard is the type of player who will be vital in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, an experienced midfielder who can slot into the side and allow Zubimendi and Rice to rest.

Norgaard won’t be particularly flashy in the Arsenal midfield, but he will get the job done – and that was the case against Port Vale on Wednesday night.