Paul Merson has criticised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for not including Jorginho in the starting lineup against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium in North London in the Premier League last week.
The former Arsenal star has written in SportsKeeda that he is shocked that Arteta decided to play Fabio Vieira instead of Italian midfielder Jorginho.
The 22-year-old started started on the left of a midfield three for Arsenal.
The Portuguese youngster came off for Leandro Trossard on 57 minutes.
According to WhoScored, Vieira took two shots but neither was on target, played one key pass, had a pass accuracy of 75%, won one header, took 35 touches, and put in two crosses.
Arsenal played out a 3-3 draw with Southampton at home last Friday.
Jorginho, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the January transfer window for £12 million (Sky Sports), was an unused substitute.
Paul Merson on Mikel Arteta mistake regarding Arsenal midfielder Jorginho
Merson wrote: “Arsenal played Fabio Vieira instead of Jorginho last week, and I thought that was unbelievable. They’ve brought Jorginho in to be a calm head in big matches.
“I didn’t think the game against Southampton was a foregone conclusion, and to keep Jorginho on the bench was a big mistake.
“Southampton wouldn’t have believed their luck when they saw Jorginho on the bench. He sits in, dictates play, and controls games.
“With Holding playing instead of Saliba, Arsenal needed protection from their midfield – not people getting turned. Arteta hasn’t done a lot wrong this season, but he made a mistake there.”
HITC Verdict: Jorginho could start v Manchester City
In our view, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could include Jorginho in the starting lineup against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
It is really hard to see Fabio Vieira start against City.
Now, Jorginho is not the quickest of players, but he is very experienced and knows how to play against big teams in big matches.
Now, of course, if Grant Xhaka is fit, then the Swiss midfielder will start.
However, if Xhaka does not play, then Jorginho is likely to start for Arsenal.
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