Arsenal summer signing says he is ‘going in the right direction’ after difficult start

Christian Norgaard says Arsenal’s record-breaking run of clean sheets is fuelled by pride and a genuine love of defending.

The Denmark international produced one of his best performances since arriving from Brentford in the summer, anchoring midfield as Arsenal beat Slavia Prague 3–0 to maintain their perfect Champions League record and match a defensive milestone that dates back to 1903.

“Of course, that gives a lot of confidence,” Norgaard said. “If you can keep a clean sheet, there’s a good chance of you getting three points. But it was not easy today. They put a lot of pressure on us with long balls, direct play and set pieces, but over 90 minutes we managed it really well.”

Arsenal have now gone eight matches without conceding, a run built on organisation and collective intensity rather than tactical conservatism. It matches a club record set 122 years ago and Norgaard insists that mentality is woven into the Arsenal’s culture.

“I think it’s just something we want to be part of our identity,” he said. “We need to love to defend, and when you look at our defenders and goalkeeper, they look like players who really love to defend. We hope we can continue that over the season.”

It has been a testing start to life in north London for the former Brentford captain, who missed the early weeks of the campaign through injury. But his assured display in Prague hinted that his rhythm is returning at just the right time.

“It’s not been easy,” he admitted. “I had an injury in the beginning, but this group is amazing. It’s been easy to settle in, and now with more minutes, I feel like I’m starting to find my form. I’m not quite there yet, but it’s going in the right direction.”

Next up is a daunting trip to Sunderland, the surprise package of the Premier League season, with the Stadium of Light expected to be at full voice.

“It’s going to be so difficult,” said Norgaard. “The atmosphere is going to be buzzing. Sunderland are doing really well this season, so we have a lot of respect for them. The objective is to keep the good form going.”

Norgaard also praised the impact of Mikel Merino, who stepped in as an emergency striker in Prague and scored twice. “It looks natural for him,” he said. “He’s so flexible, he can play so many positions and once again, he did amazing.”

For Norgaard, that adaptability and collective commitment explain why Arsenal are once again setting the standard and loving every clean sheet along the way.