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Mikel Arteta claims £12m player is a real leader in Arsenal training

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised the leadership shown by midfielder Jorginho against his former club Chelsea.

The Gunners simply had to win on Tuesday night as Chelsea came to the Emirates Stadium.

Three points from four games had severely dented Arsenal’s title hopes and Tuesday night felt like do or die.

Arsenal were far and away the better side and took a 2-0 lead thanks to two Martin Odegaard goals.

Gabriel Jesus added a third, effectively killing off the game before half-time.

Noni Madueke did pull one back for Chelsea but there was no doubting who dominated this game.

Arsenal return to the top of the Premier League table at least until Manchester City face West Ham United tonight.

Jorginho
Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta hails Jorginho performance for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta decided to shake things up with his Arsenal lineup against Chelsea.

January signings Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Jorginho were all brought into the starting XI to face Chelsea.

This was a big game for Jorginho, given that Chelsea allowed him to join Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

Jorginho turned in a strong performance in holding midfield, helping Arsenal dominate the middle of the park.

Midfield teammates Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard stole the show with assists and goals but Arteta praised Jorginho.

Arteta has told Football London that he felt Jorginho brought leadership against Chelsea – just as he does every day in training.

Arteta feels that the Italian international has taken on a real leadership role since his £12million January move.

The Spaniard hailed Jorginho’s intelligence and communication ability, suggesting that he provides invaluable experience for a young Arsenal squad.

“What he brings every single day in training: leadership, intelligence, capacity to control the game, the way he communicates with people, the quality that he brings, the level of attention, the experience because he’s been in many situations like these before. That’s just the way he plays,” said Arteta.