Journalist Charles Watts has now told Mikel Arteta that one Arsenal player must be named in the starting XI to face Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta has some big selection decisions to make ahead of Arsenal’s trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners could be missing some key players for this clash with the reigning Premier League champions. There are concerns over the fitness of Bukayo Saka. Gabriel Martinelli may also be sidelined for this fixture. Arteta could turn to Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus if he needs to select second-choice wingers against Manchester City.
The Spanish coach also has a decision to make in the middle of the park. If he wants to push Declan Rice forward into the left-eight role, with Kai Havertz leading the line at the top of the pitch, then either Jorginho or Thomas Partey will be required to sit at the base of the midfield trio.
As far as Charles Watts is concerned, Jorginho is the player who ought to be given the nod in this scenario.
Should Jorginho or Thomas Partey start for Arsenal v Man City?
Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube platform, Watts urged Arteta to keep faith in the Italy international. The reporter said, “in midfield I’d be going with Jorginho, I have to say. I think Jorginho has to start this game. I know Thomas Partey is back and is available…but the way Jorginho is playing, he’s played in all the big games this season, he’s played really well in all the big games this season, I wouldn’t be messing with that right now. I just think it would be too big of a risk.”
Partey made his long-awaited return from injury as a second half substitute against Sheffield United. He also made a brief cameo against Brentford. However, in each of these run-outs, the Ghanaian looked extremely, if understandably, rusty. The 30-year-old was hesitant and misplaced a number of passes.
Partey opted to remain in north London throughout the international break in order to work on building up his fitness. However, including him in the starting XI against Manchester City at this stage would be unwise. Arteta must pick the strongest, and most in-form, starting XI available to him for this match.
Why Jorginho is so important to Arsenal
Jorginho has been brilliant for the Gunners in recent weeks. The 32-year-old brings so much composure to the middle of the park, and is also excellent on the ball, as he boasts an impressive range of passing. He has demonstrated his enduring quality, and ability to take responsibility in big matches.
Arteta will want the £110,000-a-week former Chelsea man’s experience and coolness on the pitch against Manchester City. The midfielder is also playing for his future at the Emirates Stadium. As things stand, he is set to become a free agent this summer, despite a clamour for Arsenal to hand Jorginho a new deal.
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