Football

‘He’s coaching everybody’ – Mikel Arteta praises ‘really good’ Arsenal midfielder

February 17, 2023 12:00 pm
‘He’s coaching everybody’ – Mikel Arteta praises ‘really good’ Arsenal midfielder

Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on new signing Jorginho, saying that the midfielder had a “really good game” against Manchester City on Wednesday. It was just the Italian’s second appearance for the club after his January move from London rivals Chelsea.

He was handed 31 minutes from the bench against Everton at the beginning of February, but was forced to watch on from the dugout in the following game against Brentford.

But the 31-year-old was given the full 90 minutes against City, with fellow midfielder Thomas Partey ruled out due to a muscle injury.

Arteta full of praise for Jorginho

With Partey currently being assessed, Jorginho could be in line for another start as Arsenal travel to Aston Villa in tomorrow’s early kick-off. His manager Arteta has now heaped praise on the veteran midfielder, who moved to the Gunners on Deadline Day for just £12m.

“He’s really good – he’s come into the team and earned the respect of everybody,” Arteta told the Arsenal website. “You see his leadership, his understanding of the game, how he’s coaching everybody. I think he had a really good game.”

Trossard ‘an option’ against Villa

Another January signing that could be in line for a start against Villa is winger Leandro Trossard, who has impressed in his brief time at the club so far.

The Belgian, who signed from Brighton for £27m last month, has made five appearances for the Gunners, finding the back of the net in the recent meeting with Brentford.

He is, however, battling it out with talented winger Gabriel Martinelli for a spot on his favoured left wing, with Bukayo Saka unlikely to be dropped on the right side.

When asked if Trossard could be rewarded for his impressive displays with a start at Villa Park, Arteta replied: “He’s had an impact every time he’s been on the field, so he’s an option.”

Arteta

Arteta provides key injury updates

The Gunners slipped to second in the Premier League table after the 3-1 defeat to City, with their opponents leapfrogging them into first place.

The sides are, however, only separated by goal difference. Both on 51 points, Pep Guardiola’s men have a goal difference of +36, compared to Arsenal’s +26. But in positive news for Arteta, the north London outfit have a game in hand over their rivals.

The negative news, however, is the current injuries the manager is having to deal with. As mentioned, Partey is sidelined with a muscle injury, with star striker Gabriel Jesus also still out of action with a knee injury.

The Arsenal manager has provided an update on the injuries to both players, as well as commenting on the current situation with youngster Emile Smith Rowe, who has been limited to just over one hour of action for the entirety of the season due to a groin issue.

Speaking about Partey, Arteta said: “We have to assess him again today. He has some muscle discomfort and we have to see how he is.”

As for Smith Rowe and Jesus, the manager noted: “Emile is training today and if he’s fine, he’ll be in the squad. Gabi is still not there.”

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