How Jorginho was still able to play a ‘big part’ for Arsenal vs Man City despite not coming on the pitch

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From his position amongst the Arsenal substitutes, Jorginho still had an important role to play against Manchester City.

Arsenal needed leadership and maturity to navigate their recent fixture with Manchester City.

Not only were the Gunners up against arguably the best team in world football, but Mikel Arteta’s game plan was quickly left in tatters after kick-off. 

Erling Haaland put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead with less than ten minutes on the clock. The North London club were able to respond to this setback though.

Riccardo Calafiori’s controversial goal restored parity, before Gabriel Magalhaes nodded the Gunners ahead as he met Bukayo Saka’s corner at the far post. 

However, as Leandro Trossard was sent off on the stroke of half-time, Arteta had to change his tactical approach again.

The second half was an almost entirely defensive effort from the Arsenal perspective. The Gunners sat deep, soaked up pressure, and used every trick in the book to limit Manchester City’s opportunities and break up play. 

Micah Richards praised Arsenal’s defensive effort. However, at the death, their resolve was broken, as John Stones snatched an equaliser with practically the last kick of the game. 

• READ MORE: A timeline of every Arsenal captain during the Premier League era from Tony Adams to Martin Odegaard

Jorginho spotted conducting Arsenal effort vs Manchester City

This second half display required immense levels of concentration and focus. The Gunners remained positionally perfect for over 50 minutes. 

The players on the pitch deserve huge credit for this, but they were also offered plenty of support and guidance from the sidelines.

Journalist Julien Laurens, reporting on X, spotted Jorginho playing a key role in marshalling the Arsenal defence.

He said: “Jorginho didn’t come on today but he still played a big part in Arsenal’s second half performance. He “coached” the team non stop from the touchline all through the second half!”

Why Jorginho is so important to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta

Whilst Jorginho has not played a great deal of football for Arsenal so far this season, the Italian veteran is still a vital figure within the squad.

Arteta has previously described Jorginho as the most intelligent player he has ever worked with, and his guidance is valued and appreciated within the dressing room, and explains why the manager is comfortable with the experienced midfielder acting like a coach on the sidelines. 

Over the course of the season, Jorginho will be called upon to support his teammates on and off the pitch, and his influence could play a crucial part in helping Arsenal to achieve their aims.