Alan Smith, an Arsenal legend, has now spoken out about Jorginho’s struggles against West Ham United in the EFL Cup last night.
The pundit was speaking during Sky Sports’ live coverage of the game, and he thought the midfielder had a bad game.
Smith believed that Mikel Arteta would be better off taking Jorginho off to help Arsenal’s fortunes.
Declan Rice, a former Arsenal striker, thought he was an obvious replacement and came on shortly after.
“Jorginho, it hasn’t been his night, he hasn’t been quite at it out there,” Smith said.
“There’s an obvious replacement for him [Declan Rice], and there he is.”
Of course, Arteta will be concerned about last night’s performance.
Arsenal’s squad players had a fantastic opportunity to stake their claim for a more prominent role in the starting XI.
And, while several fringe players shone against Sheffield United, West Ham proved to be a much tougher test.
Eddie Nketiah also had a bad night, which will be especially frustrating after his weekend hat-trick.
Smith thought Jorginho slowed down Arsenal’s game against West Ham.
Because of the pressures of playing for an elite club like Arsenal, players will face criticism for a single poor performance.
Because of the pressures of playing for an elite club like Arsenal, players will face criticism for a single poor performance.
Jorginho has had many ups and downs this season, including a disastrous error in the North London Derby followed by a masterclass against Manchester City.
Arteta will simply require more consistency from those on whom he relies in his squad.
And, as is customary when Arsenal suffers a defeat these days, Kai Havertz has come under fire.
After a difficult night, Alan Brazil claims that the German is one step closer to leaving the club.
Arsenal fans, on the other hand, will hope that disappointing nights like this galvanize the squad rather than tear it apart.
On a difficult night for Arsenal, Smith appeared sympathetic to the likes of Jorginho, but he’ll be joined by many in demanding a better performance on Saturday.
Arsenal is doing well in the Premier League, but they will face a major test when they travel to Newcastle.
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