“Anytime he starts, we always play exciting football…I’m sorry for benching him in the past”: Mikel Arteta names ONE Arsenal’s star who was the reason behind their creativities yesterday despite being unnoticed by fans
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was delighted with the performance of midfielder Jorginho during the 5-2 Premier League win at West Ham United.
The Italy international got the nod in the number six position yesterday after the club suffered a double injury blow in the midfield department.
Jorginho stepped up in the derby with a brilliant display. The Italian completed only 83 percent of his passes, but made up for the same with his defensive contributions.
The 32-year-old won four duels and two tackles against the Hammers with six ball recoveries. He also made three interceptions and was not dispossessed once.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said that Jorginho was ‘excellent’ and he was ‘very pleased’ with his showing in the absence of Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino.
Arteta said on BBC MOTD: “We knew before the game we were going to make substitutions because of the state of players, but we have to manage that. Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko come in, Jorginho was excellent. I am very pleased.”
Jorginho steps up for the Gunners
Arsenal suffered an untimely blow before the derby with Partey and Merino ruled out with muscle and knee injuries. Jorginho impressed in his fourth league start of the season in their absence.
With a short turnaround time before the Manchester United game on Wednesday night, there is a high possibility that Jorginho will keep his place in the centre of the park.
The midfielder is no longer in the prime of his career, but has shown that he possesses the defensive skills to keep the opposition at bay. He has the knack for making tactical fouls.
Arsenal have temporarily moved to second in the table with the derby win. They are six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who host Manchester City in their game in hand today.
The Gunners will be hoping for the Reds to drop points at Anfield. City are on a dreadful run with five losses and one draw. They will be determined to pick up a positive result.
