Jorginho has provided his thoughts on Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals Manchester City and their goal scoring sensation Erling Haaland
Jorginho has provided a surprising verdict on Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (Image: (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images))
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has insisted that he and his team-mates mustn’t focus on Manchester City’s dominance but instead on what they can control. Last season’s two Premier League title rivals are set to clash at Wembley Stadium next weekend in the Community Shield final.
Following their remarkable 2022/23 campaign, Mikel Arteta and Edu have strengthened in key areas as they vie for another battle at the peak of English football with Pep Guardiola’s men, but this time with a different outcome.
Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice have all been purchased for a combined total of more than £200million with Granit Xhaka as the only marquee departure thus far.
The futures of William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson have also been nailed down in recent months with the trio all signing new long-term contracts. All the while Man City have lost both Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan, while making Mateo Kovacic as their only namely addition to the senior squad, but to Jorginho the business done at Etihad Stadium should not matter to the Gunners.
“They are used to winning,” Jorginho told The Times when speaking about Man City. “I don’t think we should focus on what they have. We should focus on what we need to do.”
The Italy international completed a move across London in the January transfer window to sign for Arsenal from Chelsea and an injury to Thomas Partey saw him thrusted into the starting XI against Man City at Emirates Stadium.
The 31-year-old put in an impressive performance, but Man City won the clash 3-1 with Erling Haaland scoring the game’s final goal. That strike was one of 36 the Norwegian talisman netted last season with his monstrous presence and exquisite movement in the penalty box causing teams significant problems.
However, while addressing his warrior-like traits, Jorginho provided a surprising verdict to how Haaland is away from the pitch. Jorginho said: “Ah, he is a big lad! What a mentality as well. Strong, fast — he’s an animal. And then you see him off the pitch and he’s completely different. Such a nice guy. He’s just incredible. If you love football, it is just so nice to watch, isn’t it?”