Jorginho shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals Manchester City and their goalscoring sensation Erling Haaland
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has insisted he and his team-mates should not focus on dominating Manchester City but what they can control. The two rivals for last season’s Premier League title will meet in the Community Shield final at Wembley Stadium next weekend.
Following their remarkable 2022/23 season, Mikel Arteta and Edu have strengthened in key areas as they battle alongside Pep Guardiola’s men for another battle at the top of English football, but this time with a different outcome.
Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice have all been bought for a combined total of over £200m, with Granit Xhaka being the only release so far.
The futures of William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson have also been settled in recent months, with the trio all signing new long-term deals. Meanwhile, Man City have lost both Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, with Mateo Kovacic as their only first-team addition, but for Jorginho, business at the Etihad Stadium shouldn’t matter to the Gunners.
“They are used to winning,” Jorginho told the Times of Manchester City. “I don’t think we should focus on what they have. We have to focus on what we have to do.”
The Italy international moved to London in the January transfer window to sign for Arsenal from Chelsea and an injury to Thomas Partey saw him move into the starting lineup against Man City at the Emirates Stadium.
The 31-year-old put in an impressive performance but Man City won the game 3-1 with Erling Haaland scoring the last goal of the game. That goal was one of 36 hits for the Norwegian talisman last season, with his monstrous presence and superb movement in the box causing significant problems.
However, when Jorginho faced the warrior qualities, he delivered a surprising verdict on him as Haaland is far from the pitch. Jorginho said: “Ah, he’s a big boy! What a mentality too. Strong, fast: he is an animal. And then you see him off the pitch and it’s completely different. Such a nice guy. He is incredible. When you love football, it’s just beautiful to watch, isn’t it?”
