Is Jorginho Ready to Step Up for Arsenal Against Tottenham?
As the Premier League resumes after the international break, Arsenal faces a critical fixture: the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. With key players like Declan Rice and Mikel Merino likely to be sidelined, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is tasked with finding a solution to the potential midfield void at left central midfield (LCM). The spotlight now shifts to Jorginho, the Italian international, as a possible replacement, but is he the right fit for such a high-stakes game?
Jorginho, who joined Arsenal in January 2023 from Chelsea, has yet to make his first Premier League start this season. However, the absence of Rice and Merino could open the door for the veteran midfielder to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s engine room. Fans and pundits alike are debating whether he should be the one to step in, with several factors weighing into the discussion.
The Dilemma: Replacing Rice and Merino
Declan Rice has been a transformative signing for Arsenal since his arrival from West Ham in the summer of 2023. His dynamic presence, physicality, and ability to drive the team forward have made him indispensable to Arteta’s side. Similarly, Mikel Merino, with his blend of defensive robustness and technical quality, has been key to Arsenal’s midfield balance this season. Losing both for the North London derby is a massive blow, especially considering the intensity and pressure of such a fixture.
In the wake of their expected absence, Mikel Arteta has to reshape his midfield. Several names have been floated as potential solutions. Youngsters like Ethan Nwaneri, versatile defenders like Jurrien Timber, and even Oleksandr Zinchenko have been suggested as possible candidates to slot into midfield. However, each option comes with its pros and cons, making it a difficult decision for the Arsenal boss.
Why Some Fans Are Reluctant About Jorginho
A section of Arsenal fans has voiced skepticism about the idea of starting Jorginho in midfield alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard. The main concern is that pairing Jorginho and Partey, both of whom are on the older side (Jorginho is 32 and Partey 30), could sap the energy and dynamism from Arsenal’s midfield. With both players relying more on intelligence and positioning rather than explosive physicality, fans fear that Arsenal could lack the aggressive press and speed necessary to counter Tottenham’s fast-paced, high-intensity style.
There is also a lingering perception that Jorginho may not be suited for the Premier League’s more intense fixtures, given that his best performances at Chelsea often came in games where possession was heavily in their favor. Arsenal’s midfield, under Arteta, thrives on quick transitions and fast buildup play, elements that some fans feel Jorginho might struggle to deliver in comparison to a more energetic option like Rice.
Gary Neville’s Endorsement: Jorginho’s Experience Could Be Key
Despite the concerns, Jorginho has found support in some corners, notably from former Manchester United captain and pundit Gary Neville. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville made a case for Jorginho’s inclusion in Arsenal’s starting lineup against Tottenham, arguing that his experience and technical quality could be exactly what Arsenal needs in the North London derby.
“Where I’ve seen older players work in central midfield is when they’re excellent on the ball and outstanding at controlling the game,” Neville said. “Players like Jorginho, Pirlo, Scholes, and Xavi are so exceptional with their passing and their ability to play that they can get through the game by being unbelievable on the ball.”
Neville’s point is that players like Jorginho, while not the most physically dominant, can still control games with their intelligence and technical ability. Jorginho’s passing range, ability to dictate tempo, and calmness in possession could help Arsenal retain control of the midfield, especially against a Tottenham side that will likely press high up the pitch and look to exploit any gaps in the midfield.
Tactical Benefits: Jorginho as the Deep-Lying Playmaker
Jorginho’s qualities as a deep-lying playmaker could be crucial against Spurs, who under new manager Ange Postecoglou have adopted a more aggressive, pressing style of play. Tottenham’s high defensive line could leave them vulnerable to quick transitions and precise passes in behind their defense. This is where Jorginho’s vision and passing range come into play. His ability to pick out long passes over the top or play incisive balls through the lines could help Arsenal exploit spaces left by Spurs’ high press.
Furthermore, with Jorginho playing as the defensive midfielder (the 6), Thomas Partey could move into the left central midfield (LCM) role, filling the void left by Rice and Merino. Partey, who has the physicality and dynamism to cover ground and break up play, could complement Jorginho’s more measured approach. In this setup, Arsenal would still have the defensive stability and ball control needed to combat Tottenham’s midfield press, while Martin Odegaard would provide creativity in the attacking third.
A Partey-Jorginho-Odegaard midfield trio could offer a good balance between experience, physicality, and creativity, allowing Arsenal to retain control of the game while also having the tools to break down Tottenham’s defense.
Jorginho’s Big-Game Pedigree
Another factor working in Jorginho’s favor is his experience in big games. During his time at Chelsea, he became known for being a big-game specialist, particularly in high-pressure fixtures like Champions League knockout rounds and cup finals. His calmness under pressure, ability to dictate play, and leadership on the pitch were crucial for Chelsea’s success in those moments. In a high-stakes game like the North London derby, Jorginho’s experience and composure could be invaluable.
Neville also highlighted Jorginho’s big-game credentials, saying, “I wouldn’t mind Arteta giving Jorginho a chance against Tottenham. He certainly became known for being a big-game specialist during his time with us [Chelsea]. With Spurs’ high defensive line, the former Chelsea man’s passes might be crucial in breaking them down.”
Potential Impact on Arsenal’s Derby Performance
Ultimately, the question of whether Jorginho should start against Tottenham boils down to how Arteta wants to approach the game tactically. If Arsenal is looking to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game, Jorginho’s inclusion makes a lot of sense. His ability to recycle possession, keep the ball moving, and break down Tottenham’s press with intelligent passing could give Arsenal the edge in midfield.
However, if Arteta is more concerned about matching Tottenham’s intensity and speed in transitions, he might opt for a more dynamic option in midfield, perhaps utilizing Zinchenko or even deploying a more unorthodox setup.
Whatever Arteta decides, Jorginho remains a viable option, and his experience and technical quality could be just what Arsenal needs to secure a vital win in the North London derby.
