Arteta must now keep one Arsenal player in starting XI despite Liverpool defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal were eliminated from the FA Cup after a somewhat unlucky defeat at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta made several changes to try and address a poor run of form, and his side actually played well for most of the game, but continued to struggle in front of goal as the attacking line missed countless chances.

Nevertheless, it was an improvement on last week’s disastrous display against Fulham, and Arsenal were a lot more assured in build-up play and in midfield.

A big reason for this was that Arteta brought midfielder Jorginho back into the starting lineup. Before the game, we suggested that the Italian’s leadership and composure would be useful for Arsenal during this poor run of form, and his presence was certainly a positive despite the defeat.

Jorginho was excellent despite Liverpool defeat

The 31-year-old lined up alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield, with Kai Havertz pushing further forward as a striker.

Arsenal dominated the first half, and Jorginho’s influence in build-up play was influential. He created three chances from deep midfield positions, and his incisive forward passes helped the likes of Odegaard and Reiss Nelson build attacks.

He made five passes into the final third, which Nelson, Havertz and Bukayo Saka managed as a combined total, and also won seven of his nine attempted ground duels as he and Rice won the midfield battle.

Against Fulham, Arsenal played with little composure and lost their heads after going 1-0 up, but Jorginho helped the Gunners continue to attack well despite missing early chances, before he was withdrawn shortly after they were handed the killer blow through Jakub Kiwior’s own goal.

Jorginho needs to start for Arsenal

Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed the last two games with injury, and despite his poor recent form, his passing from his inverted midfield position has been missed.

Jorginho helped replace this, and he was overall a major net positive in midfield compared to Havertz or Leandro Trossard, who both struggled in the last few games as they had little influence on the ball.

Arteta now has to keep Jorginho in the starting XI for the next few games until Arsenal recover their confidence in front of goal.

He brings a wealth of leadership and intelligence to the team, and was a bright spot in an otherwise gutting afternoon for his teammates, and his experience will be necessary to help his side recover from this mini-crisis which has hit the team since December.