(DDM) Arsenal fans have erupted in frustration after the club’s dramatic 2–1 loss to Aston Villa, questioning manager Mikel Arteta’s refusal to use Christian Norgaard during what many described as a decisive moment in the match.
DDM gathered that the defeat, sealed by Emiliano Buendia’s stoppage-time winner, denied Arsenal a crucial Premier League point and handed Aston Villa a major lift in the intensifying title race.
Villa struck first through Matty Cash, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to give the home side the early advantage.
Arsenal responded early in the second half with substitute Leandro Trossard calmly levelling the score after a quick attacking move.
Despite that momentum shift, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves in the closing stages and appeared increasingly vulnerable across midfield.
Supporters were quick to highlight the absence of Norgaard, who remained unused on the bench throughout the encounter.
The Danish midfielder joined Arsenal from Brentford last summer for £12 million, a move initially welcomed for his defensive strength, experience, and physical presence.
However, injuries disrupted his early months at the club, leaving him sidelined and delaying his integration into Arteta’s tactical system.
Since regaining fitness, Norgaard has featured only twice in the Premier League, playing a combined total of 14 minutes.
Fans argue that this lack of involvement is becoming increasingly puzzling, especially in fixtures where midfield resilience is essential to closing out results.
One frustrated supporter wrote, “Norgaard has been the most pointless signing ever. Maybe a 6ft DM might be handy in these situations.”
Another questioned Arsenal’s transfer strategy, saying, “If you’re not going to use a player during the business end of the season, why sign him?”
DDM background findings show that Norgaard was initially expected to serve as rotational cover for Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, particularly during congested fixture periods.
Yet with Partey’s recurring injuries and Jorginho’s limited mobility in high-intensity matches, many fans believe Norgaard’s exclusion is increasingly difficult to justify.
Arsenal’s midfield visibly tired in the final ten minutes against Villa, creating gaps that the home side exploited before Buendia struck the heartbreaking winner.
Declan Rice, returning from a minor knock, delivered a composed performance, but even he showed signs of fatigue as Aston Villa increased pressure.
Analysts say the Premier League’s physical demands require consistent rotation, and Arteta’s refusal to deploy available depth is raising concerns about long-term squad management.
Arteta has previously praised Norgaard’s professionalism and attitude in training, insisting the midfielder remains part of his long-term plans.
Norgaard himself has admitted the difficulty of breaking into a squad filled with elite midfielders but maintains that he is ready to contribute whenever selected.
Attention now shifts to Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League trip to Club Brugge, where fixture congestion may force Arteta to reconsider his rotation approach.
With criticism mounting, supporters hope the manager will give Norgaard the opportunity to prove that his signing was not a wasted investment.
For now, the defeat has intensified scrutiny on Arsenal’s depth, selection choices, and the broader question of squad utilisation as the season’s decisive period approaches.