Thomas Frank singles out ‘top’ Arsenal star and explains why Mikel Arteta is lucky to have him

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Thomas Frank tasted victory in his first north London derby after a goal from Pape Matar Sarr secured a 1-0 win for Tottenham over Arsenal.

It may only have been a friendly, but the Dane would have nonetheless been pleased by the win, as well as an impressive performance from Djed Spence up against Bukayo Saka.

The clash in Hong Kong was also a chance for Thomas Frank to reunite with Christian Norgaard for the first time since the pair left Brentford this summer, and it was an “emotional” moment for the Tottenham boss.

Thomas Frank left “emotional” after seeing Christian Norgaard

Hayters TV quote the 51-year-old as saying: “It’s a little bit emotional, I’ve known him since he was 15. He’s 31 now and I’ve coached him 12 of those years, so I can say that I know him pretty well.

“This is the first time I’ve played against him. It was a bit strange to see him in another team. He’s a top player – I understand why Arsenal went for him. (I am) so happy he got this opportunity late in his career.”

Arsenal spent £15m to take Norgaard from Brentford earlier this summer, with the Denmark international and Martin Zubimendi arriving to replace Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

The Dane made 249 appearances under Frank in total at Brondby and then Brentford, scoring 18 goals and providing 22 assists.

Tottenham wanted to sign Christian Norgaard before Arsenal move

Frank was keen to continue managing the 31-year-old in north London.

TBR Football understand Tottenham wanted to sign Norgaard in addition to Arsenal, but the man born in Copenhagen preferred a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – revealed at the time: “Andrea Berta moved quickly, he spoke with Mikel Arteta and a decision was made quickly to sign Norgaard.

“They were told early on that Arsenal was his priority, and that was a major appeal (to Arteta) too.”

Now, Norgaard will compete against Frank for the first time in his career, as Arsenal and Tottenham both aim to have special 2025/26 campaigns.