Mikel Arteta full of praise for ‘excellent’ Arsenal star who’s only started six games this season

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In comparison to their 5-1 win over Sporting CP, Arsenal made two changes against West Ham United with both Jorginho and Leandro Trossard coming in.

Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino were injured – a duo who could have easily started the game for Arsenal were they fit.

Although, even without the pair, Arsenal were excellent against West Ham United – Mikel Arteta got it spot once again in east London.

Arsenal were rampant in the first half, the performance felt like an immediate continuation of their 6-0 win back in February.

The Gunners didn’t have it entirely their own way – West Ham replied twice and Arsenal also suffered one or two knocks, but Arteta and his side managed the game well.

Mikel Arteta ‘very pleased’ with Jorginho in 5-2 West Ham win

Of course, when it comes to game management, there are very few players better placed than Jorginho to guide a team, a midfielder who understands the game so well.

In place of Partey, Jorginho played 90 minutes at the London Stadium and was hailed as ‘excellent’ by Arteta after the game.

READ MORE: West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui left furious with £34m Arsenal star after 5-2 defeat

Speaking to BBC MOTD, Arteta initially spoke about the ‘crazy’ events of the first half, before eventually speaking about a few squad players who came in clutch.

Arteta said: “We made it crazy, we played so well at the start of the game. We scored three early goals and then they score one immediately after kick-off and then another one – then it was game on.

“We have to manage the game – we did that really well. The last two games were tricky and to score goals is a big one.

“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 came in, Jorginho was excellent. I am very pleased.”

Will Jorginho sign a new contract at Arsenal?

Of course, Jorginho is one of those who are out of contract at Arsenal at the end of the season as things stand.

Sources suggest that it’s not impossible that Jorginho could leave Arsenal in January if a big offer arrived from a project that interested the Italian.

Many will imagine that Arsenal will undergo something of a midfield overhaul in the summer, especially with Partey’s deal set to expire too.

Arsenal are interested in Martin Zubimendi, a name which simply refuses to go away.

And although he might be in his last season for Arsenal, Jorginho can definitely still help to deliver the silverware that this project evidently deserves.